A coordinated wave of protests calling for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, swept through Abuja and several Southeast states on Monday, paralysing commercial activities and halting transportation.
The demonstration, organised by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, prompted heavy security deployment around key government sites — including the Three Arms Zone, home to the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Supreme Court.
In Abuja, dozens of protesters were dispersed by security forces who blocked their march toward the Villa. Access roads were barricaded, temporarily preventing federal workers from entering key ministries and causing major traffic disruptions across the city.
By 6 a.m., combined teams of soldiers, police officers, and DSS operatives had sealed off routes leading to the Three Arms Zone, conducting stop-and-search operations and restricting movement. Even senior civil servants with Villa tags were turned back at checkpoints.
Thousands of commuters from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka were stranded in gridlock for hours, while similar diversions were reported along Bwari, Dutse, and Airport Road. Security patrols intensified around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly complex.
The protest renewed calls for the Federal Government to obey court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. Arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, Kanu remains in DSS custody despite multiple bail rulings. His supporters continue to express concern over his health and demand his release for medical treatment.
Sowore said the protest was aimed at exposing “the government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law,” stressing that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right.
However, police defended their decision to disperse demonstrators. Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin said officers acted under a court order restricting protests from key government areas such as the Villa, Supreme Court, and Eagle Square.
“We received intelligence about potential unrest if protesters entered those zones. Tear gas was used in line with standard procedures — no live ammunition was fired,” Hundeyin clarified.
Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) condemned what it described as an “anti-government protest disguised as a campaign for justice” at its headquarters in Abuja. Spokesman Afolabi Babawale said over 50 protesters gathered at the Corps’ gate, chanting slogans for Kanu’s release. He stressed that while peaceful assembly is lawful, it must be exercised responsibly.
Southeast Lockdown
Across the Southeast — including Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and parts of Ondo State — cities were shut down in solidarity. Markets, schools, banks, and offices remained closed, with residents observing a de facto sit-at-home.
In Umuahia and Aba, Biafra supporters marched peacefully, singing freedom songs and demanding Kanu’s release. Prominent Igbo leaders, including James Uchegbuo of the Igbo Vanguard Group and Moses Onyegbule of the Igbo Ekene Global Development Union, urged dialogue and reconciliation.
“This is not a challenge to authority but an appeal for justice, equity, and national unity,” Uchegbuo said.
In Anambra, residents revived the once-suspended Monday sit-at-home tradition, staying indoors amid fears of attacks. Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu commended citizens for maintaining peace, assuring that proactive security measures were in place.
Major markets in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka were locked, and roads were deserted. “We’re indoors in solidarity with the Abuja protest,” said resident Jude Uzor.
Ebonyi State also recorded total compliance, with businesses, schools, and offices closed. Security personnel were deployed across major roads, though no protests were recorded.
In Ondo State, Igbo traders in Akure shut their shops in solidarity. “If we can’t join the protest in Abuja, we can show support from here,” said trader Nkechi, calling on President Tinubu to ensure Kanu’s release.
