The #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters have defied a court order and police warning against the planned protest as they gathered at the Central Business District to demand the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Omoyele Sowore, the leader of the protesters, alongside his supporters, thronged to the front of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the takeoff venue of the protest.
They were seen shouting, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” while moving towards the Three Armed Zone before they were dispersed with tear gas by the police.
The protest went ahead despite warnings from the Nigeria Police Force and a Federal High Court order restricting gatherings near sensitive locations such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Eagle Square.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, said the Force would not tolerate activities capable of disturbing public peace, urging the demonstrators to obey court orders and conduct their protests peacefully in approved locations.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the State security service since 2021, is standing trial on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony arising from his separatist activities.
Meanwhile, the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow has brought the Kugbo-Nyanya Expressway to a standstill as some army personnel blocked the road to protect Nigerians from some criminals who may want to take advantage of the protest to cause mayhem among innocent Nigerians.
