Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police of arresting Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday.
In a post shared via his (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore alleged that the police also detained innocent bystanders while violently dispersing demonstrators calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, as well as innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT Command. The police must release them immediately!”
— Omoyele Sowore posted on X.
Earlier in the day, security operatives reportedly fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters gathered around the Central Business District in Abuja, causing panic among commuters and leading to severe traffic disruptions.
Several key roads in the city centre were also barricaded by police, resulting in gridlock and confusion for motorists and pedestrians.
Ahead of the demonstration, the Nigeria Police Force had designated parts of Abuja as restricted areas for protests.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, reminded groups that a Federal High Court in Abuja had prohibited demonstrations within and around sensitive government facilities.
These include Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Hundeyin urged all groups — whether supporting or opposing Kanu’s release — to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid confrontation and maintain public order.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his re-arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
