The Nigerian Police have arrested Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, and several others during a protest held in Abuja on Monday.
Ejimakor confirmed the arrest in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He said he was arrested alongside Prince Emmanuel, “Fine Boy,” and other protesters at the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally. The group is currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office at No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID,” he wrote.
Earlier in the day, Ejimakor had raised alarm over the use of teargas by security operatives to disperse the peaceful protesters. He said the incident left him with irritation in his eyes and throat, as the police moved in forcefully to stop the protest.
The protest was part of renewed calls by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Protesters had gathered near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja under the banner of #MNKOct20 to demand that the Federal Government obey multiple court rulings that have ordered Kanu’s release.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, after being arrested and brought back to Nigeria from Kenya under controversial circumstances. He faces charges including terrorism and treasonable felony.
Despite various court decisions that have either granted him bail or ordered his unconditional release, the Federal Government has continued to hold him, citing national security concerns.
The arrest of Ejimakor and other peaceful protesters has drawn strong reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the clampdown on civil liberties and freedom of expression.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to release an official statement regarding the arrests or the use of force at the protest.
