Police arrest Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, lawyer, six others during Abuja protest

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of eight persons, including Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and Aloy Ejimakor, his legal counsel, during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday.

Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday evening, explaining that the arrests followed a breach of a valid court order restricting public gatherings linked to the agitation for Kanu’s release.

According to Hundeyin, those arrested are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abuja and will be charged to court within 24 hours after police investigations are concluded.

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“Yes, we arrested his brother and his lawyer too, because they insisted on gaining access to restricted areas.

“They were not the only ones we arrested six others for the same reason, making a total of eight. Once investigations are concluded, they will be prosecuted immediately”, Hundeyin stated.

The police spokesman further explained that the decision to disperse the protesters with tear gas was taken after several warnings were ignored.

“The protesters were unruly and adamant despite prior warnings issued on Saturday based on a valid court order. That was why security operatives used minimal force, including tear gas, to restore order,” he said.

Earlier in the day, security operatives had taken control of major routes and strategic locations across Abuja, including roads leading to the Presidential Villa, following intelligence about the planned protest.

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The demonstration, led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing trial for alleged treason and other related offences.

It was observed that the security operatives’ use of tear gas caused panic in parts of the city centre, with some passersby and traders temporarily abandoning their businesses as officers dispersed the crowd.

Meanwhile, the police have reiterated their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly but warned that no group will be allowed to violate existing court orders or disrupt public peace under any guise.