October 20, (THEWILL) — The Omoyele Sowore-led #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters in Abuja have been forcefully dispersed on Monday by a joint detachment of defence and security operatives.
Chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now”, the protesters, including Sowore, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor and others had gathered around the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama, before they were dispersed with tear gas, forcing them to scamper for safety.
THEWILL observed heavy deployment of soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and routes leading to the Presidential Villa.
Earlier, a federal court in Abuja restrained the protesters from some government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
While the police maintained that the court’s directive was meant to prevent a breakdown of law and order, a statement issued on by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin warned that anyone found violating the order or attempting to hijack protests for violent purposes would face severe legal consequences.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government. He has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021, when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
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