Free Nnamdi Kanu Rally Causes Traffic Gridlock in Abuja, Protesters Attacked with Teargas

Free Nnamdi Kanu Rally Causes Traffic Gridlock in Abuja, Protesters Attacked with Teargas

The Free Nnamdi Kanu protest rally commenced in Abuja on Monday morning, resulting in significant traffic congestion across several areas of the Federal Capital Territory. Security personnel intervened by deploying teargas to disperse the protesters, causing many participants to leave the scene rapidly. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has blamed the

The Free Nnamdi Kanu protest rally commenced in Abuja on Monday morning, resulting in significant traffic congestion across several areas of the Federal Capital Territory. Security personnel intervened by deploying teargas to disperse the protesters, causing many participants to leave the scene rapidly.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has blamed the Nigerian security operatives for disrupting the #Free NnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

The nationwide protest was held in Abuja on October, 20, 2025 had Nigerians from different parts of the country participate in a protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around key government institutions in Abuja.

The planned Free Nnamdi Kanu primarily took place in Abuja, not the Southeast, and was disrupted by the police.

There was no large-scale organized rally in the Southeast, except for Abia State where Nnamdi Kanu comes from, where the streets were deserted and shops and businesses were on lockdown. The event in Abuja created confusion and uncertainty in the city, leading to some schools and businesses closing down.

According to Sowore, the security operatives hijacked the rally while the protest was ongoing. “A huge contingent of policemen, Army and civil defence came, and they started shooting at us, tear gas and some life bullets were shot but luckily nobody was hit.

“They did not have a particular leadership. They brought about 10 trucks as soon as we started the protest. It was an unprovoked attack from the security operatives as there were no provocations from the protesters.

“They shot live bullets and teargas canisters to disperse protesters but luckily enough, the bullet did not hit anyone. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s brother was arrested and the lawyer.”

Mr. Sowore mentioned that the security operatives were fully aware of the protest as they were fully notified for their protection ahead of the protest.

“We planned this, we actually informed our lawyers, we did inform the police officially for them to protect the protesters.

“Even though it is our constitutional right not to seek permission from them. They do claim that hoodlums hijacked protests, but we could tell who the hoodlums were today.

According to Sowore, during the protest, security operatives “arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, his lawyer, and innocent bystanders. They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately”

However, the protest has affected the daily activities of residents and commuters plying through the protest scene as they struggled to find their ways out of the scene.

Genesis of the Protest

Omoyele Sowore through his X handle, had rallied citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protest demanding for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

“Good morning, wherever you may be this morning, do not stop moving. Carry a sign, sing a song, make a statement!” he wrote.

Sowore had earlier on Sunday night welcomed participants arriving in Abuja for the demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. “We warmly welcome everyone who has travelled from everywhereto join the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest tomorrow. Your courage, sacrifice, and solidarity speak volumes. Together, we are writing history,” he posted.

According to him, protesters are expected to gather at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, by 7 a.m. He urged participants to “come ready, come peaceful, come determined. “We want to put one million people on the streets of Abuja tomorrow for #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. Let’s make it happen.”

However, the planned march defies an interim order by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which bars Sowore and other organisers from holding protests in or around sensitive government areas, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Reacting to the reported injunction on Saturday, Sowore questioned both its legality and what he described as the hypocrisy of security agencies.

“Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa; it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release?” Sowore asked.

Sowore revealed that his legal team, made up of 115 lawyers, would challenge the purported order once formally served on Monday. He insisted that the October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would go ahead peacefully, saying, “October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”

Meanwhile, the demonstration coincides with the fifth anniversary of the 2020 #EndSARS protests  a historic youth-led movement that demanded police reform and justice for victims of brutality, culminating in the alleged Lekki Toll Gate massacre.

Despite security warnings from the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest vowed on Sunday that there would be no retreat from Monday’s planned march in Abuja.

Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and lead organiser of the protest, warned that any security operative who attacks peaceful demonstrators would be held “accountable.”

His warning came after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, instructed their officers to strictly enforce the court order prohibiting demonstrations near the Presidential Villa and other critical national infrastructure.

In his social media post, Sowore urged the new FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, to avoid a heavy-handed approach to the protest.

Meanwhile, IGP Egbetokun directed all police commands, particularly in the FCT, to remain on high alert and maintain visible deployments in strategic areas to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

NSCDC Commandant Odumosu, in a statement, cautioned that the Service would “not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.”

He appealed to Nigerians, whether for or against the demonstration to respect the court order and maintain peace. Odumosu also warned individuals planning to hijack or disrupt the protest to “have a rethink,” stressing that anyone caught would face the law.

Also, a statement by the Corps’ spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, added: “We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.

“The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally.”

 

 

 

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