Despite warnings and security directives by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, triggering sweeping security lockdowns across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The protest, led by activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, defied a court order and law enforcement warnings that barred demonstrators from approaching the Presidential Villa and other designated “Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.”

Sowore, convener of the #freeNnandikanunow protest had earlier warned security operatives via social media, declaring that any brutality against peaceful protesters would be met with accountability.

“The Constitution protects the right to protest. Any officer who lays a hand on protesters will be held responsible,” Sowore wrote.

At the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, soldiers mounted a roadblock at Karu Bridge, causing severe traffic snarls and stranding thousands of civil servants and traders commuting from satellite towns like Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka.

Witnesses reported that the road had been barricaded as early as 4:00 a.m., with stop-and-search operations in full swing to intercept protesters.

Aaccess to key government zones including the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, National Assembly, Federal Secretariat, Ministry of Justice, and Federal High Court were sealed off by heavily armed police and paramilitary officers.

Prominent legal practitioner Douglas Ogbankwa condemned the security agencies’ actions, stating that restrictions on peaceful protests violate Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The right to peaceful assembly is inalienable. No directive, regulation, or police order can override the Constitution,” Ogbankwa said.

He cited the landmark case Inspector General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors (2007), in which the Court of Appeal declared that police permits for protests are unconstitutional. “That judgment still stands. It has not been appealed and remains binding across Nigeria,” he noted.

Aloy Ejimakor, a lawyer and a team member representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, expressed full support for the protest, confirming his participation.

“I endorsed the protest fully because it is the civic and constitutional right of Nigerians to protest. I am Nigerian; I will be joining the protest,” Ejimakor told reporters.