A tense situation unfolded in Abuja on Monday as police officers reportedly deployed teargas to disperse protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a demonstration that quickly gained national attention.
The protest, branded #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and attracted a large crowd of activists, supporters, and concerned citizens calling for justice and adherence to the court’s orders regarding Kanu’s detention.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who organised the protest, had previously announced the event on social media, urging Nigerians to join the peaceful demonstration on October 20 to demand Kanu’s immediate release from the Department of State Services (DSS). Sowore, alongside lawyers and civil society members, stressed that the protest was intended to be non-violent and lawful.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the DSS for several years following his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite an earlier court of appeal ruling that ordered his release, Kanu’s detention has continued, citing national security and other government concerns. His prolonged custody has sparked widespread debate and condemnation, with many Nigerians and international human rights organisations describing the detention as politically motivated and unlawful.
The persistent detention has also prompted activists to mobilise protests across the country, leveraging social media and public gatherings to pressure authorities into complying with judicial directives and ensuring Kanu’s rights are respected.
Protest Escalation and Police Action
The demonstration began peacefully in the early hours, with participants chanting slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu now!” and holding banners calling for justice. Among the protesters were notable figures including Sowore, Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and several other supporters of the IPOB leader.
According to eyewitness reports and viral videos, the protest was disrupted when police officers advanced toward the crowd. Sowore was captured on video pleading with the authorities, saying, “Don’t teargas us,” moments before security operatives allegedly fired teargas canisters into the gathering, forcing participants and bystanders to flee in panic for safety.
Some onlookers claimed that police used excessive force despite the largely peaceful nature of the demonstration, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech and the right to peaceful assembly. It remains uncertain whether any arrests were made, and reports of injuries or casualties are still being verified.
Reactions and National Attention
The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the police actions and expressing outrage at what they perceive as a violation of fundamental rights. Hashtags like #FreeNnamdiKanuNow trended across multiple platforms as users shared videos, photos, and first-hand accounts of the teargas deployment and chaos at the protest site.
Civil society organisations and rights activists have vowed to continue mobilising and advocating for Kanu’s release until the government complies with court rulings, highlighting the event as part of a broader struggle for justice and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
Video footage of the chaotic scene circulating online shows protesters running for cover while teargas canisters fill the streets of Abuja. Many users criticised the government and law enforcement for the heavy-handed response to what was intended to be a peaceful protest.
Watch the video here…
HAPPENING RIGHT NOW;
Security operatives f!red sporadly to disperse protesters demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja. pic.twitter.com/ga0TM2hQXp
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 20, 2025
The unfolding situation has intensified discussions around civil liberties, government accountability, and the rights of political detainees, with calls for immediate dialogue between authorities and concerned parties to prevent further escalation of tensions in the nation’s capital.[/p>