The city of Umuahia, capital of Abia State, came to a standstill on Monday as residents observed a total shutdown in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore.
According to Vanguard, the usually vibrant streets of Umuahia were deserted, with only a handful of vehicles and tricycles seen moving across the city.
Shops, banks, petrol stations, markets, and motor parks remained closed, leaving the state capital unusually quiet. Both public and private schools also suspended academic activities.
Some schools had earlier issued notices to parents over the weekend, advising them to keep their children at home in anticipation of the planned protest.
At the popular Isigate market, stalls and tables were covered, with no traders in sight. Major junctions such as Post Office/Abia Tower, FMC/Bank Road, and Uwakala Road were also deserted.
A convoy of joint security patrol vehicles was spotted along Uwakala Road, reportedly deployed to monitor activities and maintain order during the demonstration.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his re-arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
His prolonged detention has continued to spark nationwide and international protests, with activists accusing the Federal Government of violating his fundamental human rights and ignoring court rulings that ordered his release.
