Breaking: Gunshots Rock Abuja as Security Forces Clash with ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protesters
- Security forces dispersed #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja after gunshots erupted
- Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor led demonstrators demanding Kanu’s release
- Protesters fled as operatives fired shots amid growing anger over Kanu’s prolonged detention
Tension flared in Abuja on Monday, October 20, as a joint detachment of security and defence operatives forcefully dispersed protesters calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstrators, led by activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, alongside human rights lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, had converged near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Source: Facebook
Chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” the protesters waved placards and banners as they demanded Kanu’s immediate release in line with existing court orders.
Gunshots as protesters flee for safety
Eyewitnesses said the protest, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after security operatives fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.
“They were shouting and warning the Police not to use teargas,” said one eyewitness who spoke under anonymity. “But before long, we heard gunshots, and everyone started running in different directions.”
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters scampering for safety as uniformed officers advanced toward the rally ground.
Despite the heavy security clampdown, organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement vowed not to relent in their demand for the IPOB leader’s release.
Presidency calls for sanctions agains Ejimakor
Source: Twitter
The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has urged legal regulatory bodies in Nigeria to sanction Mr Aloy Ejimakor.
Ejimakor is one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The presidency call came on the heels of his participation in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, October 20, Onanuga criticised Ejimakor for joining the protest organised by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Mr Omoyele Sowore, describing the action as “unethical” and “irresponsible.”
“I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore. “I wonder what Mr Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court," Onanuga wrote.
Why is this protest going on?
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
He faces charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, despite several court rulings ordering his release.
The federal government has repeatedly defended its stance, citing national security concerns, but critics say the prolonged detention is unconstitutional and undermines Nigeria’s judicial integrity.
Gunshots rock Abuja over Nnamdi Kanu protest
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the demonstrators, led by activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, alongside human rights lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, had converged near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Eyewitnesses said the protest, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after security operatives fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters scampering for safety as uniformed officers advanced toward the rally ground.
Source: Legit.ng
