By Ayo Ayodele
Tension gripped parts of Abuja on Monday as police operatives reportedly arrested 13 peaceful demonstrators participating in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Among those reportedly arrested were Kanu’s lead counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Fineboy Kanu, Barrister Okere, and ten other participants. Eyewitnesses and activists claimed the protesters were peacefully exercising their constitutional right to free expression and assembly before being rounded up by security operatives.
The demonstrators were allegedly taken to the SARS Abattoir detention facility in Abuja, a location widely criticized by rights groups for alleged human rights violations, unlawful detentions, and acts of torture.
Critics described the arrests as an assault on democratic rights and a disturbing reminder of Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. Several human rights organizations have since called for the immediate release of the detainees and an investigation into the conduct of the police during the protest.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests.