Okay News reports that massive traffic congestion hit parts of Abuja on Monday morning following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, who mobilised citizens demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration, which began around 7 a.m. near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, disrupted movement along the busy Kugbo–Nyanya Expressway, causing a gridlock that extended several kilometres toward the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Eyewitnesses said the situation worsened as protesters and commuters crowded the highway, with some vehicles parked along the road, further restricting traffic flow.
According to reports monitored on NTA News, the congestion was “fueled by parked vehicles and gatherings along the Abuja–Keffi highway stretch,” as motorists complained of slow movement and blocked lanes.
The corridor, known for being vulnerable to disruptions during major events, reportedly experienced “heavy traffic and blocked lanes due to ongoing security checks and protest-related activities.”
The rally came in defiance of police warnings and a Federal High Court injunction restricting protests around sensitive government zones, including the Presidential Villa and Eagle Square.
Participants, however, insisted the march would remain peaceful and focused on highlighting what they described as the “unjust and prolonged detention” of Nnamdi Kanu since 2021.
Earlier reports revealed that security operatives had fired tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered near the hotel and adjoining streets.
Witnesses said officers began firing canisters even before a large crowd assembled, sparking tension in parts of the city.
Despite the police action, protesters continued chanting solidarity songs and waving banners demanding justice, with Sowore reaffirming that the movement would not be silenced.
The activist wrote on social media that the group’s intention was to “peacefully draw national attention” to Kanu’s case and the broader call for constitutional fairness.
Traffic authorities later advised motorists to seek alternative routes as congestion persisted throughout the morning, affecting entry into central Abuja.
