CITIZENS COMPASS—The.much awaited #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest was disrupted in Abuja on Monday, as the protesters took to their heels after the Police fired teargas canisters at them.
The protest took place near the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Federal Capital Territory with the protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Videos from the scene monitored by Citizens Compass captured the peaceful protest as protesters chanted solidarity songs to demand the release.
Foremost activist, Omoyele Sowore,was at the fire front of the protest when Police suddenly fired teargas canisters at the peaceful protesters who immediately took to their heels.
Police thereafter arrested some of the protesters.
The joint team of police and defence operatives moved in to disperse the demonstrators who had gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Human rights lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, was among the protesters.
Despite the teargas, the protesters carried placards of various inscriptions, regrouped and marched from Maitama to Utako and Apo We have inflicted a crushing defeat on the regime, they attacked and brutalized our people but our determination only intensified from Maiatama to Utako to Apo. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow!
Sowore on his social media handles wrote, “The despicable and illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the arrest and detention of 13 peaceful protesters who participated in today’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja.”
13 detained
The human rights activist said 13 protesters were detained.
“Among those detained are Nnamdi Kanu’s lead lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, @NNAMDIKANU’S brother Fineboy Kanu, Barrister Okere, and ten others whose only “crime” was exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“Shockingly, the protesters have been taken to the notorious SARS Abattoir detention and torture facility in Abuja a place long associated with human rights abuses, unlawful detentions, and unspeakable cruelty.
“Their only offense was standing for justice and freedom and protesting peacefully.
#FreeNnamdiKanuNow”
He said another date would be fixed for continuation of the protest.
