Abuja Protest Turns Chaotic as Police Fire Teargas at #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Demonstrators

A peaceful demonstration in Abuja calling for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu turned chaotic on Monday morning as police reportedly fired teargas to disperse protesters.

The rally, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was organized by human rights activist and political figure Omoyele Sowore to demand immediate justice and compliance with court orders regarding Kanu’s detention.

According to eyewitnesses, the protest began calmly in the early hours, with Sowore, Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and other supporters chanting slogans urging the government to release Kanu. However, the situation escalated when security operatives, including police and military personnel, advanced on the crowd.

Sowore was heard pleading, “Don’t teargas us,” moments before officers fired canisters into the gathering, forcing protesters and bystanders to flee for safety.

Nnamdi Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite a court of appeal ruling ordering his release, the federal government has continued his detention, citing national security concerns. Many Nigerians and rights groups have described his detention as unlawful and politically motivated.

The incident in Abuja has sparked outrage online, with numerous citizens condemning the use of force against peaceful protesters.

Activists have vowed to continue mobilizing nationwide to pressure authorities into honoring court directives. As of now, it remains unclear whether there were any arrests or casualties resulting from the teargas deployment.

The protest has drawn attention to ongoing debates about freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and government accountability in Nigeria. Social media users continue to circulate videos of the chaotic scenes, amplifying calls for justice and the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.