Security operatives on Monday, October 20,2025, foiled a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, and arrested key organisers, including the detained IPOB leader’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, convened by rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to release Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
The protest, which was intended to march toward the Presidential Villa, was effectively foiled by security operatives.
Armed policemen and soldiers mounted barricades at all major routes leading to the Villa and Central Area, preventing the demonstrators from advancing beyond the Maitama and Transcorp Hilton axis.
The protest began around Transcorp Hilton, Maitama, before security agents swooped in and fired live bullets and teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Protesters who attempted to regroup around Utako and Aso Mechanic Village were again dispersed by armed officers.
The crackdown caused panic across the city and forced workers, commuters, and shop owners to scamper for safety.
Teargas spread into nearby plazas and offices, which affected even bystanders who were not part of the protest.
Two journalists working with Agence France-Presse (AFP) were reportedly arrested during the protest, alongside several other protesters.
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.
Commuters were stranded in hours-long gridlock on Monday, October 20,2025, morning following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
