According to a news report by Business day newspaper, The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of eight individuals, including Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated the arrests were made for violating a court order prohibiting protests near restricted government zones.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today , Hundeyin explained, “Yes, we arrested his brother and his lawyer too, because they insisted on gaining access to restricted areas.” The eight detainees are held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abuja and will be charged within 24 hours after investigations conclude.
Security operatives dispersed the protest with tear gas after repeated warnings were ignored. Hundeyin defended the action, citing the protesters’ “unruly and adamant” behavior despite prior alerts about the court order. The protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanded Kanu’s release amid his ongoing trial for treason.
Heavy security presence was deployed across Abuja, including routes to the Presidential Villa, following intelligence about the demonstration. The tear gas caused temporary chaos, disrupting businesses and scattering bystanders.
While reaffirming citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, the police warned against defying court orders or disrupting public order. Hundeyin emphasized, “No group will be allowed to violate existing court orders under any guise.”
