On Monday, Oct. 20, protesters took to the streets across Nigeria to demand the release of Biafra agitator and IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration, which began around 6 a.m., was led by activist Omoyele Sowore and spread through major areas of Abuja. However, things took a violent turn in Maitama when protesters encountered a security blockade and were tear-gassed.
Some demonstrators took cover but kept chanting, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they fled the scene. The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest started near Transcorp Hilton and extended to other areas in the Federal Capital Territory. Security operatives later barricaded all access roads leading to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone.
Speaking on “The Morning Brief” program on Channels Television, Sowore said the organizers had notified the police about the protest beforehand.
“There were about 10 trucks that arrived just as we began,” Sowore recounted. “There was no provocation on our part. As we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest. It was an unprovoked attack from the police and a combined team of security operatives.
“We had just started in front of Transcorp Hilton when a huge contingent of police, army, and civil defense officers showed up. We told them we were not their enemies and that the protest wasn’t against them.
“But suddenly, from nowhere, they began shooting tear gas and even some live bullets. Luckily, I don’t think anyone was hit by live ammunition, but they were shooting all around us. Eventually, they arrested some people. I heard that Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer were both arrested and beaten. They’ve been taken to the FCT Command.”
Sowore confirmed that no member of his protest team was injured by live bullets.
Prior to the protest, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had condemned the march, describing it as an anti-government demonstration disguised as a campaign for justice. Sowore dismissed that claim, insisting it was a peaceful, nonviolent movement and that participants deserved to be treated with dignity.
The protest extended beyond Abuja into several South-East states, including Abuja, Enugu, Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi, where major roads were deserted and banks and schools were closed. Commercial activities were largely suspended, with major markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja, Mgbuka Amazun, Electrical Market, and Nkwo Nnewi all shut down.
Only a few roadside traders were seen displaying their wares at Nkpor and Eke-Awka markets. In Ebonyi State, residents stayed indoors even though no active protests took place. Businesses, banks, schools, and offices all remained closed in solidarity. In western states, the Igbos in Ondo State joined the protest. Although protesters did not storm the streets, many of their shops were under lock and key. This included shops along Oyemekun Road, Adesida Road, Arakale Road, NEPA, Carl Street, Old Garage and other commercial areas in the capital, Akure.
Following the protest, reports confirmed that several of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers and associates, including his younger brother, were arraigned in court after their arrest in Abuja. They were charged with offenses bordering on unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace. Their legal representatives have since called for their immediate release, describing the charges as baseless and politically motivated, and have vowed to challenge the arrest and prosecution in court.
