Nigerian Police Clash with Protesters Demanding Release of Nnamdi Kanu

Protest Erupts in Abuja

The capital city of Abuja was thrown into chaos on Monday as police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The crowd, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, gathered early in the morning to call for justice for the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Eyewitnesses reported that people had begun to gather as early as 07:00 (06:00 GMT) when security forces moved in to disperse them with tear gas.

Roads Blocked and Tensions Rise

In addition to dispersing the crowd, security forces blocked major roads across the capital, resulting in heavy traffic gridlock and confusion. Commuters struggled to move through affected areas as the standoff between protesters and police escalated.

The protesters carried placards demanding Kanu’s unconditional release, while chanting pro-Biafra slogans.

Arrests Reported at the Scene

Sowore posted on X (formerly Twitter) that security operatives arrested several individuals, including members of Kanu’s family and legal team. As of now, the police have not officially commented on the reported arrests.

Kanu, who has been detained since 2021 on terrorism charges, continues to deny all allegations against him. He also holds British nationality.

A Polarizing Separatist Figure

IPOB was officially banned as a terrorist organization in 2017, with its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, accused of multiple violent attacks. Despite this, Kanu remains a cult hero to many in south-eastern Nigeria, where calls for an independent Biafra remain strong.

Kanu’s legal journey has been long and complex: arrested in 2015, he fled after a 2017 military raid, was re-arrested in 2021, and briefly had charges dropped in 2022 before the Supreme Court reinstated them in 2023.

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Legal Battle Continues

Kanu’s legal team is expected to begin his defense on Thursday after the court dismissed their argument that he had no case to answer. This hearing could determine the next phase of his prolonged detention and the broader Biafra independence movement.

The continued detention of Kanu has fueled tensions across the country, with critics accusing the government of silencing political dissent, while authorities argue they are upholding national security.

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