The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja descended into chaos on Monday, October 20, 2025, after security operatives fired teargas and live shots into the air to disperse demonstrators demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, which began in the early hours of Monday around the Transcorp Hilton Hotel area, was led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore alongside other pro-democracy advocates. Eyewitnesses said security personnel, including police and military officers, arrived at the venue around 7 a.m. and immediately began dispersing the protesters.
In a viral video circulating online, Sowore was seen fleeing the scene with other demonstrators as clouds of teargas filled the air. The protesters had planned to march toward the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release, but the Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a stern warning against any march or gathering near the Villa.
Among those caught in the confrontation was Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who was reportedly arrested alongside several others. Confirming the arrest in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ejimakor wrote:
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.”
Before his arrest, Ejimakor had accused the police of using excessive force on peaceful protesters, saying the teargas fired left him with severe irritation in his eyes and throat.
“I’m in front of Transcorp Hilton with a mammoth crowd that gathered for #MNKOct20 and the police just exploded teargas. My eyes and throat hurt. They’re scattering everywhere,” he wrote.
The protesters had gathered to renew calls for the Federal Government to comply with court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, despite several judgments mandating his unconditional freedom.
Monday’s protest underscores growing frustration among Kanu’s supporters and civil rights groups over what they describe as the government’s disregard for the rule of law and the rights of detained citizens.