The Nation Newspaper

Tag: #FreeNnamdikanu protest

  • Normalcy returns to Abuja after #FreeNnamdiKanu protest

    Normalcy returns to Abuja after #FreeNnamdiKanu protest

    Normalcy returned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, after the fracas between security operatives and protesters calling on the government to free Nnamdi Kanu.

    On Monday,  major roads were barricaded in the city centre to prevent the protest by supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The protest disrupted movement and halted several early morning activities across key parts of the city.

    However, on Tuesday morning, our correspondent who went round the city, confirmed that business, commercial, and social activities resumed.

    The heavy presence of police and other security personnel that dominated the streets on Monday was still there to maintain law and order.

    The protesters had vowed to continue their demonstrations until Nnamdi Kanu is released from detention.

    Kanu has been in custody since 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.

    Activist Omoyele Sowore led the march on Monday despite a court order and police warning. 

    Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before the police shots eventually dispersed them.

    Some shouted: “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they fled the scene.

    The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest began near Transcorp Hilton and other areas in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Police arrived early and fired tear gas to disperse protesters and onlookers. Operatives were positioned along major routes to Aso Rock, with heavy security at Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.

    Our correspondent reported that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were barricaded.

    Security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain, the protest take-off point, and denied access to motorists and pedestrians.

    Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving both Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible.

    A combined team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in the Utako area of Abuja.

  • UPDATED: Commuters grounded over #FreeNnamdikanu protest in Abuja

    UPDATED: Commuters grounded over #FreeNnamdikanu protest in Abuja

    Commuters were stranded in hours-long gridlock on Monday morning following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

    Security checkpoints and road barricades mounted by the police, military, and other security agencies caused traffic paralysis along major routes, including Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Mpappe, Dei-Dei, Dutse, Bwari, and Kubwa, leaving thousands of residents stranded on their way to work.

    From as early as 7a.m., commuters approaching the city centre through Nyanya-Karu axis encountered long queues of vehicles stretching for several kilometres, as officers restricted movement toward Berger, Wuse, Aso Rock, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Business District, among other areas.

    It was gathered that many motorists heading toward the city were forced to turn back, while others parked their vehicles by the roadside as security personnel diverted traffic and tightened patrols around strategic locations such as Eagle Square, Shehu Shagari Way, and the National Assembly complex.

    The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, kicked off earlier in the morning to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. 

    Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered officers to enforce existing court orders restricting protests around key government sites. 

    The Nigeria Police Force warned that protests must not take place near Aso Rock Villa and other restricted government zones in the nation’s capital.

    Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the directive followed a Federal High Court order restraining gatherings around sensitive areas such as the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

    Hundeyin advised protesters and counter-protest groups to avoid restricted zones and to channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means.

    Meanwhile, as of mid-morning, movement into the Central Area and Three Arms Zone remained partially restricted, with heavy police patrols and armoured vehicles stationed at multiple junctions. 

    Many residents heading to work have returned home while others trekked long distances into the city centre.