Tension in Abuja as Police Arrest Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, at #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest

There was tension and chaos in Abuja on Monday as Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the fiery lawyer representing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by police officers during the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

The protest, which took place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saw hundreds of Kanu’s supporters and human rights activists demanding his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) — where he has been held since June 2021 despite multiple court rulings ordering his freedom.

Ejimakor confirmed his arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that he was picked up alongside several others by operatives of the FCT Command CID.

“We’ve just been arrested — myself, Prince Emanuel, Fine Boy, and others. We are at FCT Command CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja,” he wrote.

Moments before his arrest, Ejimakor accused the police of firing teargas at peaceful demonstrators, saying the heavy smoke left him battling eye and throat irritation.

The protest, reportedly led by Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, also featured members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and pro-democracy groups.

Eyewitnesses said the protesters were singing solidarity songs and holding placards that read “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now!” when armed police officers invaded the scene, firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.

Videos circulating online show protesters coughing and running for safety as the demonstration turned chaotic.

This latest development has fueled fresh outrage among supporters of the IPOB leader, who accuse the Nigerian government of disobeying court orders and silencing voices of dissent.

For many, Ejimakor’s arrest is seen as another attempt to intimidate those calling for justice and freedom for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.