Counter-protesters on Monday gathered in Abuja to oppose the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Witnesses said the counter-protesters arrived around 10 a.m. near the Labour House bridge in the city’s central area, waving Nigerian flags and carrying placards that read No Pressure to the Rule of Law.

The protesters also had music playing in the background as they voiced support for due legal process in Kanu’s case.

The demonstration came in response to the rally organised by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s unconditional release from detention.

The IPOB leader has been in detention since June 2021, facing terrorism charges linked to separatist campaigns for an independent Biafra.

Police officers were stationed under the bridge, blocking vehicular movement with barricades. The counter-protesters, who arrived in three 30-seater buses, dispersed after about 20 minutes.

Earlier, police disrupted the main #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest near the Transcorp Hilton in Maitama, firing tear gas at demonstrators, including Mr Sowore.

An eyewitness account reported that one AFP journalist was also arrested by the Nigerian Police officials as security operatives took over major roads in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday morning ahead of the planned protest.

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor was also part of those arrested in the process.

Traffic across parts of the central district and the Three Arms Zone was paralysed as security operatives mounted roadblocks to contain both rallies.