Okay News reports that security operatives on Monday dispersed protesters who regrouped in the Utako area of Abuja after earlier being chased away from Maitama, where they had gathered to demand the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters, made up of civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups, had initially converged near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Maitama before police fired tear gas canisters to disperse them. The incident caused panic as traders, commuters, and motorists fled for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the demonstrators later regrouped at Utako, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards calling for compliance with the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment, which discharged and acquitted Kanu of terrorism-related charges.
However, the regrouping was short-lived as armed police officers again moved in, using tear gas to scatter the protesters. The scene led to another round of confusion, forcing many nearby residents and business owners to close shops temporarily.
Security presence in the Federal Capital Territory was significantly increased following the renewed protests. Soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were seen stationed at major points, including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone.
At the Berger roundabout, witnesses also observed soldiers positioned with gun trucks, while patrol teams moved intermittently around the city to prevent further demonstrations.
Organisers of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign said their aim was to draw attention to what they described as “continued disobedience” to the Appeal Court’s ruling and to pressure the Federal Government to free the separatist leader.
Despite the heavy deployment of security operatives, small groups of protesters were still seen holding banners with inscriptions such as “Obey Court Orders” and “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.”
Authorities, however, have yet to issue an official statement regarding any arrests or injuries during the dispersal operations.
