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| Police fires tear gas, live bullets at protesters |
Gunfire broke out in Abuja on Monday, October 20, as security forces clashed with protesters demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
A joint team of police and military personnel moved to disperse the crowd gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory.
The protest was organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign.
The demonstrators, holding placards and chanting slogans for Kanu’s freedom, accused the government of disregarding court orders mandating his release.
The protest started peacefully but turned chaotic when security forces fired warning shots into the air to break up the crowd.
Witnesses reported that protesters urged the police not to use teargas, but gunfire soon forced them to flee in panic. Several protesters suffered minor injuries while escaping.
Videos circulating online captured the tense moments as armed officers advanced on the group.
Despite the violent suppression, the protest organisers vowed to continue their campaign, condemning the government for violating the rule of law and suppressing peaceful protests.
Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, facing charges of treasonable felony and terrorism.
Despite several court orders mandating his release, the federal government has consistently ignored these rulings.
Officials maintain that his detention is necessary for national security. Critics contend that detaining Kanu against court directives violates the constitution and undermines Nigeria’s justice system.
Security measures remain heightened in parts of Abuja after a recent incident, amid concerns that tensions may escalate among the separatist leader.
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