The Nigerian capital, Abuja, witnessed high tension on Monday, October 20, 2025, as protesters gathered to demand the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, quickly drew national attention — and police response.
Here are four major things that happened during the protest.
1. Police Fired Tear Gas to Disperse Protesters
The protest began early in the morning around 7 a.m.
It turned chaotic as police fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the cro
Also, eyewitnesses said demonstrators had gathered peacefully before the police intervened,
This forces many to flee the scene.
Major roads were also blocked, resulting in heavy traffic and confusion across several parts of Abuja.
2. Arrests of Protesters, Including Kanu’s Relatives
Omoyele Sowore alleged via his X handle that security operatives arrested several individuals, including members of Nnamdi Kanu’s family and his legal team.
While the police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests, eyewitnesses confirmed that several people were taken away during the crackdown.
3. Counter-Protesters Showed Up in Defence of “Rule of Law”
In a dramatic twist, counter-protesters appeared later in the day near the Labour House bridge area.
Also, they waved Nigerian flags and carried placards reading “No Pressure to the Rule of Law”, calling for the courts to handle Kanu’s case without political interference.
Music blared in the background as they voiced support for the ongoing legal process rather than street protests.
4. Renewed Spotlight on Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Battle
The protest reignited national and international conversations about Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention.
The IPOB leader, who holds British citizenship, has been in custody since 2021 on terrorism-related charges.
His case, marked by legal twists and human rights debates, remains one of Nigeria’s most contentious issues.
Despite being declared free by the Court of Appeal in 2022, the Supreme Court later overturned that decision.
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His legal team is set to continue his defence this Thursday.
