Police authorities justified the use of teargas on #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja, stating it was to protect critical infrastructure in line with a court order restricting demonstrations near Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The Force Public Relations Officer emphasized that the Federal Capital Territory offers ample space for protests without risking damage to key sites, citing past incidents where protests led to destruction. Security forces, including police, army, and civil defence, dispersed protesters near Transcorp Hilton and other areas, barricading access roads to the Federal Secretariat and Three Arms Zone.
Protest leader Omoyele Sowore claimed the demonstration was peaceful and pre-notified, alleging unprovoked teargas use and arrests, including Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and lawyer. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), faces terrorism and treasonable felony charges, having been arrested in 2015, released on bail in 2017, and rearrested in 2021 after fleeing Nigeria.
