Security tightens in Abuja as #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters’ organisers beaten, arrested

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back movement, alleged that during the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, the Nigerian Police arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, along with innocent bystanders.

Sowore stated that they were beaten and taken to the FCT Police Command.

Ejimakor himself confirmed the arrest and stated they were held at FCT Command CID in Abuja.

One of Kanu’s brothers also condemned the arrests, calling for their immediate release, emphasizing the right to protest.

The police and security operatives, including the army and civil defense, reportedly used tear gas and fired live bullets to disperse the protesters demanding Kanu’s release.

The protest faced heavy security presence and barricades around key government areas in Abuja.

Sowore demanded the police release those detained immediately and criticized the treatment of the protesters and the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu as a sham designed to obstruct justice

Kanu’s lead counsel, Ejimakor also posted “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja.”

The police had earlier warned against holding any demonstration near key government buildings, while citing a Federal High Court order designating certain areas as no-protest zones.

Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the restriction covered Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

“Citizens are free to express their opinions peacefully, but not in areas designated as restricted zones by the court,” he said.

As of 11:00 am, Abuja, which had been under a near-lockdown, had begun to calm down, though security presence remained heavy around the Central Business District and other areas.

However, a handful of protesters were still gathered around the Apo Mechanic area, defiantly chanting and waving placards despite the heavy security presence.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja