#FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja: Police Reportedly Brutalise, Arrest Pastors, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, Others

The Police have arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, pastors as well as his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and several other persons following the#FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja this Monday morning.

Leader of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development, demanding their immediate release from detention.

Sowore who is also the publisher of SaharaReporters online newspaper and convener of the Take It Back movement, spoke in a statement published by SaharaReporters this afternoon. 

Among the demonstrators were pastors and members of civil society organisations who were chanting solidarity songs before security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse them.

“The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders,” Sowore posted on his social media handles.

“They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately,” he added.

Barrister Ejimakor also posted: “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT Command CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja.”

One of Kanu’s brothers, Kanunta Kanu, also confirmed the arrests in a post, saying: “Breaking news. FCT police Command CID Abuja, No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki Area 2, illegally arrested Barrister Aloy Ejimako and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Special counsel and youngest brother and others. They should be released immediately because, it is their right to protest.”

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives, today too, fired tear gas canisters at 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 the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, were dispersed by heavily armed police officers deployed around the hotel and adjoining streets.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier fired tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, dispersing passersby and commuters amid heightened tension ahead of the planned #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest.

The demonstration, championed by human rights activist Sowore and several pro-democracy groups, was billed to hold today, October 20, 2025, with protesters vowing to march to the Presidential Villa to demand the immediate release of the detained Mazi Kanu.

However, even before protesters arrived at the designated convergence points, police officers deployed to Maitama and the Central Area fired multiple tear gas canisters, throwing residents and workers into panic.

Eye witnesses said many people who were simply on their way to work were caught in the chaos scampered for their safety.

“There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” a witness told SaharaReporters.

“Everyone started running, even roadside traders and taxi drivers.”

Security forces, including soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have since taken over strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.

The lockdown follows warnings issued by the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, cautioning organisers to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace.

Meanwhile, despite the threats, the organisers have vowed to proceed, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of gross contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.