FreeNnamdiKanu: Police Fire Tear Gas at Protesters in Abuja
Police officers on Monday fired tear gas canisters to disperse protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a demonstration in Abuja.
The protesters had converged at a strategic location in the Federal Capital Territory, chanting solidarity songs and calling on the Federal Government to comply with multiple court orders granting Kanu’s release.
Their gathering was met with a heavy deployment of security operatives, including police and military personnel. The situation escalated when officers fired several tear gas canisters and gunshots into the air, forcing the protesters to flee.
The convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, who led the protest, was seen escaping the scene alongside several others as the air became saturated with tear gas.
As of press time, it was unclear whether any protesters sustained injuries during the security clampdown. The police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. His prolonged detention, despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, has continued to spark nationwide agitation and protests.
