Abuja, Nigeria – Security operatives on Monday fired tear-gas canisters at human-rights activist Omoyele Sowore, several clergymen and their supporters during a protest at the Transcorp Hilton area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had gathered to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed by heavily-armed police officers deployed around the hotel and adjoining streets.
Among those present were pastors and members of civil-society organisations chanting solidarity songs when security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to scatter their ranks.
The policing began ahead of the main march route, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force firing tear gas in the Maitama district of Abuja, reportedly dispersing commuters and residents even before the core gathering began. “There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” a witness told reporters.
Strategic areas in the Federal Capital Territory — including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain and routes leading to Aso Rock — were reported to be under heavy security deployment.
Protest organisers had vowed to proceed with the demonstration despite warnings issued by the police on Sunday urging them to avoid restricted areas and maintain peace. The demonstrators accuse the government of contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law, citing a previous appellate court judgment in Kanu’s favour.