Eight individuals, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and relative Fineboy Kanu, were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, causing widespread traffic gridlock. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrests, stating the protesters would be arraigned after investigations, and denied claims of live ammunition use, clarifying that teargas was deployed to enforce a court order restricting protests near key areas like Aso Rock Villa and the National Assembly.
Hundeyin cited past violent protests as justification for the security measures. The protest, led by Omoyele Sowore, prompted a heavy security lockdown, with barricades and stop-and-search operations paralyzing the Central Business District. Sowore condemned the arrests as illegal, alleging assaults and demanding the detainees’ release, threatening further action.
In Lagos, police dispersed small protests, while muted demonstrations occurred in Enugu, Anambra, and Abia, with many businesses closed in solidarity or fear. The Presidency criticized Ejimakor’s participation, calling for sanctions, and labeled the protest counterproductive to Kanu’s ongoing treason trial. The APC and Nigeria First Project Initiative also condemned the protest, urging respect for judicial processes.
