Police Fire Teargas At Commuters Ahead Of #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest In Abuja

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)  used teargas on commuters in Abuja’s Central Business District on Monday morning.

This happened on Monday morning as activists began gathering in the city for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

The protest was organized by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate.

Many of those affected by the teargas were commuters waiting for transport to work.

Authorities also blocked major roads in the capital, causing severe traffic congestion and confusion.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021 and is currently facing trial over alleged terrorism.

Ahead of the protest, the police and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) designated certain areas as “no protest zones.”

On Saturday, the police reminded groups planning protest to respect a court order restricting protests near key government locations.

Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesperson, said the Federal High Court in Abuja prohibited protests around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

He called on all groups, whether supporting or opposing the protest, to comply with the court’s directive.

KanyiDaily recalls that Omoyele Sowore had declared that the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest will go ahead, despite the court order banning demonstrations around major government areas in Abuja.