Sowore-led Abuja Protest Demands Nnamdi Kanu Release Amid Lockdown

Protesters led by activist Omoyele Sowore marched in parts of Abuja on Monday to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, sparking a heavy security lockdown around the Presidential Villa and other government precincts and forcing demonstrators to disperse after security forces used crowd-control measures. The demonstration came despite a Federal High Court order barring protests near Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal and other specified locations.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Guards Brigade and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, mounted roadblocks and stop-and-search checkpoints on major routes into the Federal Capital Territory from early morning, causing widespread traffic disruption on the Keffi-Abuja Expressway, Airport Road and other corridors. Access to the Three Arms Zone was restricted and some Villa staff reported being turned back despite official parking permits.

Police and other operatives fired tear gas to disperse crowds, and eyewitnesses reported that live rounds were discharged in the vicinity of the Court of...