• Police justify use of force, cite court order restricting protests
• Counter-protesters rally in Abuja, back continued trial of IPOB leader
• Presidency faults Sowore, calls for sanction of Kanu’s lawyer over protest
• Sowore warns of nationwide revolt over continued detention
• CDHR condemns police disruption; APC faults ‘politically motivated’ protest

Security operatives yesterday fired live bullets and teargas to disperse protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

At the same time, economic and social activities were paralysed across the South-East, as residents in Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra and Imo states either stayed indoors or joined peaceful demonstrations calling for Kanu’s release.

The demonstration, convened by rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was part of the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign pressing for Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been held since June 2021.

The protest, which began around the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, at about 7:00 a.m., turned chaotic when security personnel opened fire and deployed teargas to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters regrouped near Utako Market, but the police and soldiers followed with more rounds of teargas and gunfire into the air, forcing traders and passersby to flee.

Shops, offices and business outlets in the area were hurriedly shut down as the air filled with teargas. Some traders sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape.

Security operatives, including soldiers, police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, mounted barricades at major roads, restricting access to the Three Arms Zone, which houses the Presidency, National Assembly and Supreme Court.

Even staff of the Presidential Villa faced difficulty entering the complex, with some redirected to park outside. A worker posted on social media: “Please can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.”

Commuters were stranded for hours along the Keffi–Abuja expressway as soldiers barricaded the Karu Bridge before the Sani Abacha Barracks around 4:00 a.m. Similar scenes were reported on the Dutse–Bwari and Airport Road corridors.

Motorists from the airport axis were diverted at the National Mosque, while routes to the Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat and National Assembly were cordoned off.

A shop owner, identified as Ameobi, told The Guardian: “We are not protesters. We were just inside our shops when police started firing live bullets and teargas into the plaza. I don’t know why they are disturbing us. Many people locked their shops and ran away.”

Two journalists with Agence France-Presse (AFP) were reportedly arrested alongside several protesters, including Kanu’s younger brother and one of his lawyers. Sowore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused security operatives of brutalising peaceful demonstrators.

“They arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, his lawyer, and innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!” he wrote.

Kanu’s lawyer, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, also confirmed his arrest, posting: “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel and others. We are at FCT Command CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.”

Addressing protesters at Utako Market before the disruption, Sowore said Kanu’s continued detention symbolised Nigeria’s deepening social injustice and warned that growing frustration among citizens could trigger a nationwide movement.

He told the crowd: “Free Nnamdi Kanu now! This is not a tribal issue; it is not a religious issue. It is a social justice issue for us. Today marks five years since the EndSARS protest of 2020. We remember the heroes and heroines killed at the Lekki Tollgate.”

Sowore said Nigerians of diverse backgrounds were united by shared hardship and political disillusionment. “We’re not here as Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa. We are united to ensure our brother is brought out of detention. There is hunger, starvation, and political oppression. Very soon, this protest can be bigger than that of Nepal,” he added.

Reacting to the arrests on X, Sowore threatened to mobilise supporters to the FCT Police Command if Ejimakor and others were not released.

He wrote: “The @FCT_PoliceNG is instructed to release Barrister @AloyEjimakor, Fineboy Kanu, and others illegally arrested, tortured, and currently being forced into detention over the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest immediately, or we will mobilise the entire crew now on the street to the FCT command and occupy their office!”

Police authorities, however, defended their action, citing a subsisting Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around sensitive government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police acted within the law. “While citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, they must do so within the confines of the law and avoid restricted areas,” he said.

Hundeyin wrote on X: “Police teargassed protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protesters from the Villa and other listed areas. We are the country’s foremost law enforcement agency. We carried out our mandate.”

He dismissed claims that the police blocked major roads, explaining that officers only cleared routes earlier obstructed by the demonstrators to ensure free movement for other citizens.

Hundeyin said eight people were arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, for insisting on entering the restricted zone despite repeated warnings.

He explained that the arrests were not for exercising the right to protest but for disobeying a subsisting court order, adding that those detained would be prosecuted once investigations were concluded.

He also defended the use of teargas, describing it as a standard operational procedure employed by police forces globally. According to him, it was not a biological or destructive weapon, and officers had announced their intention to deploy it before doing so, targeting only those who refused to comply with lawful directives.

Hundeyin said the police would continue to maintain law and order while protecting citizens’ rights, urging Nigerians to respect lawful instructions and judicial pronouncements.

By 11:00 a.m., calm gradually returned to parts of the city, though a heavy security presence remained at major intersections. A few protesters regrouped around the Apo Mechanic area, defiantly chanting and waving placards despite the deployment of armed personnel.

Elsewhere, a counter-protest emerged around 10:00 a.m. near the Labour House bridge in Abuja’s central area, where another group of demonstrators waved Nigerian flags and carried placards with the inscription “No Pressure to the Rule of Law.”

The counter-protesters, who played music and danced, said they were supporting the continued prosecution of Kanu, who faces terrorism charges linked to his separatist campaign for an independent Biafran state.

By mid-afternoon, both protests had largely dispersed, leaving behind a city tense but calm, underlined by the heavy presence of armed security operatives across Abuja’s major roads and public buildings.

South-East shuts down as residents demand Kanu’s release
IN Enugu, schools, markets and major roads were deserted as residents complied with a sit-at-home action declared in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign. Although no formal protest took place, many residents stayed away from work after a viral social media message urged Igbos to observe a “day of silence” for Kanu.

Visits to Agbani Road, New Haven, Ogui Road and Coal Camp showed empty streets and closed shops. Most government offices operated skeletal services, while banks and commercial centres remained shut. Young men were seen playing football on deserted roads.

In Abia State, Aba was completely shut down as residents observed the protest. Shops, markets and transport parks were closed. Major roads such as Asa, Faulks and Azikiwe were empty. In contrast, Umuahia witnessed a peaceful street demonstration led by youths chanting “Release Nnamdi Kanu.”

The protesters, who carried placards reading “Federal Government, obey court order” and “Tinubu, restore peace and security in the South-East,” marched from Okpara Square through Isi Gate to Aba Road. Security operatives patrolled the streets but did not interfere.

In Ebonyi, there was no street protest, but the state capital, Abakaliki, was deserted. Shops, schools, banks, eateries and markets were closed, while only a few commercial tricycles operated. Heavily armed security personnel were seen at major intersections, including Water Works Road, Afikpo Road, and Gunning Street, but later withdrew after confirming that the situation was calm.

Commander of the State Neighbourhood Watch, Mr Victor Chibuoyi, commended residents for their orderly conduct. He said his personnel were deployed across the state to ensure peace.

In Anambra, compliance with the directive was near total. About 95 per cent of residents reportedly stayed at home across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and other towns. Roads and markets were empty, while banks, schools and offices were closed.

Security patrols by the Army, Police, Civil Defence, Navy and local vigilante groups were visible in major areas, but no incidents were recorded. A resident in Awka, Mr Akpangbo Kingsley, said the action was a warning to the Federal Government, while another, Mr Ngozika Uche from Nnewi, described it as timely.

A tailor, Mrs Ebere Ani, appealed for Kanu’s release, saying his prolonged detention could trigger another crisis in the region. Efforts to reach the state police spokesman, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful.

Imo State also witnessed a total shutdown. Markets, schools, offices and banks were closed across Owerri and the 27 local councils. Residents stayed indoors while joint security patrols were mounted across the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said watertight security had been deployed to prevent any breach of peace. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had warned against acts that could disrupt public order.

Across the five South-East states, the day passed without major violence or arrests. The widespread compliance reflected growing regional solidarity over Kanu’s continued detention since 2021, despite reported court orders for his release.

Observers said the coordinated shutdown demonstrated the lingering influence of the IPOB leader and the depth of public frustration over perceived marginalisation and disregard for judicial rulings.

Security agencies maintained heavy patrols in urban centres until evening, while residents gradually resumed movement after dusk. By nightfall, calm had returned across the region, though economic activities remained largely paralysed.

Presidency faults Sowore, calls for sanction of Kanu’s lawyer over Abuja protest
Two presidential aides, Mr Bayo Onanuga and Mr Sunday Dare, yesterday criticised the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, describing it as an attempt to undermine judicial processes and influence the ongoing trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Onanuga, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, also called on legal authorities to sanction one of Kanu’s lawyers, Mr Aloy Ejimakor, for alleged unethical conduct after he was seen participating in the protest.

In a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said he was surprised to see Ejimakor among protesters mobilised by Sowore. “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,” he wrote.

He said that as a legal practitioner, Ejimakor should have been mindful of the principle of sub judice, noting that Kanu’s trial for alleged treasonable felony is still before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu,” Onanuga stated, accusing the lawyer of “resorting to extra-legal tactics” by joining “a career anarchist to influence the process.”

He described the protest as “shambolic,” saying Ejimakor’s conduct “raises serious questions about his adherence to professional ethics,” and urged relevant legal bodies to consider appropriate sanctions.

The protest, which disrupted movement in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, was organised by Sowore to demand Kanu’s release from custody, where he has been held since 2021.

Also reacting, Mr Sunday Dare, another presidential aide, cautioned Sowore and his supporters against what he called attempts to interfere with the judicial process through protests and inflammatory rhetoric.

In a post on his official X handle, @SundayDareSD, Dare said such tactics “do not aid the judicial process” but instead “create unnecessary tension and undermine the rule of law.”

He described Sowore’s actions as a “pastime of PR agitation and courting public sympathy to interfere with judicial proceedings,” adding that such methods are “outdated and counterproductive in a modern democracy.”

“Sowore and his team can never try these stunts in Europe or America. You cannot employ protest and civil unrest to demand the release of someone accused of terrorism whose case is still in court. Not even in America,” Dare said.

He noted that the case against Kanu predates President Bola Tinubu’s administration and remains within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.

Dare reiterated that the government respects judicial independence and will not interfere with the process. He warned that while Nigeria upholds democratic freedoms, “those freedoms are not without limits,” adding that attempts to test those limits would “invite the full application of the laws.”

He emphasised that the judiciary must be allowed to carry out its constitutional duties without external pressure, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the rule of law and to ensuring that justice is served through the courts, not through protests or street campaigns.

Kanu’s trial stalls as court activities shut down in Abuja
Hearing in the police suit against activist Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest was stalled yesterday as activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja came to a halt.

The main entrance to the complex, which houses about 13 courtrooms, was locked, preventing both vehicular and pedestrian access.

Few court staff, lawyers and litigants were seen around, but no judge was in sight. Security operatives restricted movement, and tear gas was fired at intervals around the area.

Justice Mohammed Umar had on Friday fixed yesterday for the respondents in the ex parte motion filed by the police, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to show cause why an interim order barring Sowore and others from staging protests near key government institutions should not be vacated.

The judge had earlier restrained Sowore, Sahara Reporters Limited, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation, Take It Back Movement, and other associated organisations or persons from protesting near sensitive locations such as Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The police, through their counsel, Wisdom Madaki, had argued that the protests could pose a threat to national security if not restrained. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, was adjourned for a hearing but could not proceed due to the court shutdown.

Meanwhile, developments in the separate trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, continued to draw attention.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which was directed by the Federal High Court to assess Kanu’s health, submitted that his illness was not life-threatening and that he was fit to stand trial.

The finding followed an order by Justice James Omotosho for an independent evaluation after conflicting reports were presented by the defence and the Department of State Services (DSS). While DSS counsel, Mr Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN), maintained that Kanu’s health could be managed in custody, the defence, led by Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), had argued that he should be moved to the National Hospital.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defence six days, from October 23 to 30, to open and close its case, also allowing Kanu a private consultation with his lawyers outside DSS premises.

Kanu’s legal battle stems from the Supreme Court’s decision reversing the Court of Appeal’s 2022 judgment that discharged and acquitted him. The apex court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ruled that although Kanu’s abduction from Kenya was illegal, it did not strip the trial court of jurisdiction to hear the case.

The Supreme Court condemned the Federal Government’s actions but upheld the trial’s continuation, stating that violations of rights or procedural flaws do not invalidate criminal proceedings.

Kanu faces seven amended counts of terrorism-related offences, including inciting violence and issuing threats that allegedly led to shutdowns across South-Eastern states. The case remains before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where proceedings are expected to resume later this month.

CDHR condemns police disruption of Sowore-led protest in Abuja
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the disruption of a peaceful protest led by Mr Omoyele Sowore in Abuja, describing the Nigerian Police’s actions as excessive and a gross violation of the protesters’ rights.

In a statement yesterday, CDHR President, Mr Debo Adeniran, said the protest, which was met with teargas, was a constitutionally guaranteed peaceful assembly aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with government actions and policies.

Adeniran reminded the government that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights conventions.

He said the government’s actions were oppressive, condemnable and an unacceptable abuse of power that could worsen tensions and fuel public resentment.

Adeniran expressed surprise at reports of arrests made during the protest and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals.

He warned that attempts to silence dissenting voices could have grave consequences for national peace and stability, potentially leading to dangerous unrest.

CDHR reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation and pursuing justice for those whose rights were violated. The organisation reaffirmed the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression and urged the government to respect these freedoms.

Adeniran said: “It is our belief that no individual or group in a free and democratic society should be subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment for simply exercising their rights of expression and peaceful assembly and, indeed, protests.

“The deployment of state instruments of coercion against citizens expressing legitimate grievances against government action is an unacceptable abuse of power and a direct assault on the sensibilities of our people and the civilised principles of democracy. Such high-handed tactics do not resolve conflicting issues but rather exacerbate them, breeding public resentment and creating fertile ground for possible violent actions in the future.

“We are particularly surprised by reports of the arrest of several protesters in Abuja. CDHR demands the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained for participating in this peaceful protest. Their arrest is unnecessary and a blatant attempt to criminalise dissent.”

APC condemns #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, calls it politically motivated
The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, describing it as a politically motivated agitation by desperate opposition figures seeking cheap relevance.

In a statement yesterday, the party’s spokesman, Mr Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said the protest was “not about justice but a display of reckless politics and frustration.”

He stressed that the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains before the courts and that Nigeria’s judiciary is capable of delivering justice without mob pressure or street intimidation.

Oladejo accused opposition leaders of deceitful manipulation, saying their endorsement of the protests showed “insensitivity to the suffering of residents in the South East.”

He said the organisers were mocking victims of violence and kidnappings in the region while ignoring the pain of widows, orphans and devastated communities.

The APC spokesman urged security agencies to remain vigilant and called on patriotic Nigerians, especially leaders from the South East, to reject what he described as “the antics of those trafficking in bitterness.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for rebuilding the economy and fostering unity, stressing that true progress would come from peace, not chaos.

Oladejo said: “This so-called protest is not about justice; it is about political frustration. Those behind it, rejected at the polls, are exploiting national issues for cheap relevance.”