Abuja, Nigeria — October 20, 2025.
Chaos erupted in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday as a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, degenerated into violence — with gunshots, teargas, and arrests turning central Abuja into a flashpoint of unrest.
Organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and Kanu’s lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor, the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest began near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama but quickly descended into pandemonium when security operatives moved in to disperse participants.
“There was shouting, then gunshots — everyone just ran,”
an eyewitness recounted to reporters.
Videos circulating online captured scenes of panic as protesters fled clouds of teargas and the sound of live rounds fired into the air. Several people were reportedly injured in the ensuing stampede.
Leaders Arrested
Ejimakor confirmed his own arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT Command CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2.”
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) later justified the crackdown, citing a court order barring protests near sensitive zones, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.
The order was reportedly issued on Friday by Justice M.G. Umar following a police suit against Sowore and four others.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin warned that anyone breaching the restrictions or “inciting violence” would be arrested and prosecuted.
Sowore Pushes Back
Sowore, however, dismissed the order as a “sham,” insisting it was never properly served and thus unenforceable.
“There is no valid court order restricting this protest. Our right to peaceful assembly is non-negotiable,”
he declared, announcing that a 115-member legal team was ready to challenge any police action.
He accused authorities of double standards, pointing out that pro-government demonstrators had been allowed to march in Abuja for three consecutive days without interference.
City on Lockdown
By midday, key areas including the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly Complex, and Central Business District were deserted. Armoured vehicles patrolled major junctions as security forces mounted roadblocks and fired sporadic teargas.
Court activities were also suspended, with judges and lawyers unable to access Federal High Court premises amid the chaos.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) declared all prisons nationwide “Red Zones,” warning that anyone approaching correctional facilities would be treated as a security threat.
Background: The Kanu Question
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained since his 2021 extradition from Kenya, faces treason and terrorism charges. Despite multiple court orders granting him bail, he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) — a situation rights groups say undermines Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.
Growing Unrest
While calm gradually returned to parts of Wuye, Jabi, Utako, Guzape, and Kukwaba, anxiety remained high. Many residents stayed home as traffic gridlock paralysed key entry routes into the city.
“This is not just about Nnamdi Kanu,”
one fleeing protester shouted.
“It’s about justice. It’s about Nigeria.”
Key Developments at a Glance
🔥 Gunfire & Teargas: Security operatives disperse protesters in central Abuja.
🚓 Arrests: Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and others in custody.
⚖️ Court Showdown: Sowore vows to challenge alleged “illegal” protest ban.
🏛️ Lockdown: City centre deserted; courts, offices, and roads shut down.
🚨 Red Zones: Prisons nationwide placed on high alert.
