The capital city of Abuja is currently tense following the commencement of the free Nnamdi Kanu protest led by Sahara Reporters founder Yele Sowore and Kanu’s legal counsel Aloy Ejimakor.
The protest, slated to be held today, October 20, is geared towards creating awareness and demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained by the Department of State Security (DSS) for the past four years.
The leaders of the protest converged in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel at the heart of the city, demanding the release of the IPOB leader. The area was likely chosen because of the convergence of influential and high-net-worth folks at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, who are more likely to be close to power.
Situation report on the ground includes anti-protest activities by the police, like deploying the use of tear gas and gunshots to scare away protesters. The use of live bullets by the Nigerian security forces has raised questions of high-handedness and abuse of power.
Speaking to newsmen, Sowore lamented the situation while standing on his earlier position that the right to protest is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen.
“This huge contingent of police, army, and civil defense came. We started telling them we’re not their enemies, it’s not about them, and suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us.” Sowore stated.
The plan by Sowore, the leader of the protest, is to put 1 million people on the streets of Abuja, demanding the release of the IPOB leader.
The protests led to traffic gridlock in most parts of Abuja, stopping daily commuters and workers from getting to their job posts on time.
Several reports from the media stated that the Nigerian court refused a bid by the Nigerian police to stop the Free Nnamdi Kanu protests slated to take place nationwide.
This was denied by the Nigerian police, public relations officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who claimed the police never approached the court for such an order.
The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest is currently ongoing at the time of this report, as more people join the protest.
The Nigerian court last week ordered Nnamdi Kanu to open his defence after declaring him fit to stand trial.
