By Our Correspondent
A peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was disrupted on Monday morning as security operatives intervened near the Central Business District in Abuja.
The demonstrators, who gathered under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, began assembling around 8 a.m. to express their concerns over Kanu’s continued detention. However, police officials responded by dispersing the crowd with teargas, citing security concerns and restrictions around key government areas.
Roads leading to important national institutions—including the National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, and Eagle Square—were temporarily closed, causing delays for workers and commuters. Many were seen walking long distances to reach their offices as a result of the closures.
Though the protest appeared peaceful at first, the situation quickly changed as law enforcement enforced crowd control measures. Some commuters and bystanders were caught in the confusion and affected by the teargas.
Authorities said the measures were necessary to maintain order and protect sensitive government buildings. The Nigeria Police had earlier issued a statement warning against gatherings near restricted zones.
The protest comes amid ongoing legal discussions over Kanu’s case. A recent court ruling declined to outright ban the protest but required that proper legal procedures be followed before any further action.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since 2021, and his detention has continued to generate conversation and public interest across parts of Nigeria.
By midday, calm had returned to most parts of the city, although some traffic congestion lingered in areas affected by the earlier road closures.
