ABUJA, Oct 20 (The African Portal) – Police in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, have dispersed protesters calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The demonstrators, made up of civil rights activists and pro-democracy groups, had gathered in the Maitama district early on Monday as part of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign. They are urging the government to comply with a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that discharged and acquitted Kanu.
Eyewitnesses said police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the protesters near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and nearby streets, forcing traders, motorists and commuters to flee the area.
The protesters later regrouped at the Utako district, chanting solidarity songs and waving banners, before security operatives again used tear gas to scatter them.
A heavy security presence has since been reported across the Federal Capital Territory. Soldiers, police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) were seen stationed at key locations, including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone.
A BBC reporter also observed a large deployment of troops at the Berger roundabout, where a gun truck had been mounted.
Kanu, who leads the banned separatist group IPOB, has been in government custody since 2021 on charges including treason and terrorism. His prolonged detention has drawn criticism from rights groups and sparked repeated calls for his release.
