Police officers on Monday dispersed protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, after they regrouped in the Utako area of Abuja.
The demonstrators had earlier fled the Maitama district when police fired tear gas canisters to break up the protest. Undeterred, they later regrouped at Utako to continue their peaceful march, but were again dispersed by armed security operatives.
The protesters, comprising civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups, were part of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign — an initiative urging the Federal Government to comply with the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted Kanu.
Earlier in the day, the police fired multiple rounds of tear gas near the Transcorp Hilton and adjoining streets in Maitama, causing panic among commuters, traders, and motorists who fled the area for safety.
After the initial disruption, the protesters regrouped at Utako, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards calling for Kanu’s release. However, security personnel again used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Security presence across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has since been intensified. Soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were seen stationed at strategic locations, including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone.
At the Berger Roundabout, our correspondent observed a heavy military presence, with soldiers positioned beside a mounted gun truck to forestall further demonstrations.
