#FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest: Nigerian Govt Has No Respect for Human Rights — Amnesty International
Tension gripped parts of Abuja on Monday as security forces blocked major roads following a protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu (FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest), leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration, which began peacefully, quickly descended into chaos after police intervention led to widespread disruption across the city.
Motorists were stranded for hours as roadblocks and the heavy deployment of armed security personnel caused gridlock in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to PulseNets said the situation escalated when operatives allegedly fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. Some participants claimed that officers assaulted them, seized their belongings, and dragged several protesters into waiting vans.
According to reports obtained by PulseNets, several demonstrators were taken to various police stations in the city. This prompted Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the protest, to lead a group of supporters to the stations in an attempt to secure their release.
A video earlier circulated online showing Sowore and other activists scampering for safety as police officers reportedly opened fire at the protest venue. The footage has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions on social media.
Meanwhile, an FCT media aide, Lere Olayinka, mocked Sowore in a video he posted online with the caption, “Why Cashtivist Sowore come pick race like this bayi?” — a jab that has triggered heated reactions from both Sowore’s allies and Nnamdi Kanu’s supporters.
PulseNets also learnt that Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and younger brother were among those arrested and are currently being detained in Abuja.
Reacting to the crackdown, Amnesty International strongly condemned the actions of the security agencies, describing them as a “gross violation of fundamental human rights.”
In an exclusive conversation with PulseNets, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Country Director in Nigeria, said the government’s handling of the protest was “deeply regrettable and exposes its insincerity in respecting citizens’ rights.”
“What happened yesterday is tragic and unacceptable. We saw journalists being assaulted, equipment seized, and even lawyers detained,” Sanusi told PulseNets.
“These actions show that the Nigerian government is still unwilling to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”
Sanusi further condemned the use of tear gas on unarmed demonstrators, stressing that such measures violate international human rights standards.
“Deploying tear gas against peaceful protesters is unlawful and unjustifiable. The government should be protecting rights, not suppressing them,” he said.
“If this trend continues, it poses a dangerous precedent for human rights protection in Nigeria.”
Also Read: Sowore, Others Stage #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest in Abuja as Police Beef Up Security
PulseNets recalls that Amnesty International had in 2024 released a 34-page report accusing Nigerian security agencies of excessive force, unlawful arrests, and killings during protests over the rising cost of living — allegations the police vehemently denied.
Monday’s demonstration marks the first major protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release since his re-arrest in 2021.
