Civil society groups in Nigeria have condemned the arrest and use of force against protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The protests, under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, took place in Abuja and some other states. Protesters called for Kanu’s release, but security officers used teargas to disperse them and arrested several people, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
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Sowore Leads Protest in Abuja
Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the Abuja protest. He said it was unjust that Kanu remained in detention while others accused of serious crimes were being pardoned. Sowore accused the police of using violence and live ammunition, although the police denied this, saying they only used teargas.
The protest caused heavy traffic in the city after security officers blocked major roads. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin reminded citizens that a court order bans protests around key government buildings like the Presidential Villa and National Assembly.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Case
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on terrorism charges but fled the country after a raid on his home. He was re-arrested in 2021. In 2022, an Appeal Court ordered his release, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision in 2023.
Civil Rights Groups Speak Out
Several organisations criticised the police action. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, head of CISLAC and Transparency International Nigeria, said the use of force against peaceful protesters was wrong. He urged the government to use dialogue and lawful methods instead.
Armsfree Ajanaku of the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation said the arrests violated citizens’ rights, while Sylvanus Udoenoh of the CREAP Africa Initiative said attacking peaceful protesters undermines democracy.
Journalists Also Attacked
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja condemned the arrest and assault of John Okunyomih, a journalist with AFP. He was beaten by security officers and had his camera destroyed while covering the protest. NUJ described the act as a violation of press freedom and an attack on democracy.
Protest Affects Activities in Anambra
In Anambra State, business and social activities were disrupted as Sowore led similar protests. Markets, banks, schools, and petrol stations were closed in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, as many residents stayed home in solidarity with the movement.
US-Based Group Calls for Release
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) also condemned the arrests in Abuja. The group’s president, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, said peaceful protest is a fundamental right and urged President Bola Tinubu to order Kanu’s release in line with court rulings. He added that teargassing peaceful protesters is a serious abuse of power.
Presidency Responds
Reacting to the protest, Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu, warned Sowore against using street protests to influence court decisions. He said justice should be decided in court, not through public pressure, and noted that Kanu’s case started before Tinubu became president.
Police Disperse Protesters in Rivers
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, police fired teargas to break up another #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Protesters were forced to run for safety as officers moved in to stop the gathering.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Many human rights groups and activists continue to call on the government to respect human rights, obey court rulings, and allow peaceful protests. They say the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the attack on protesters damage Nigeria’s image as a democracy.