Chaos erupted in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory on Monday as a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, degenerated into violence.
The protest, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and Kanu’s lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor, began near the Nigerian Communications Commission 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.
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.
Ejimakor confirmed his own arrest in a post on X, 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 justified the crackdown, citing a court order barring protests near sensitive zones. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin warned that anyone breaching the restrictions or “inciting violence” would be arrested and prosecuted.
Sowore 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.
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.
