Security forces clashed with protesters in Abuja on Monday as police fired tear gas to disperse human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, several clerics, and their supporters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters had gathered near the Transcorp Hilton area to stage the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow demonstration when heavily armed officers surrounded the area.
Eyewitnesses said police fired multiple tear gas canisters at the crowd, forcing protesters, passersby, and motorists to flee.
The protest, organised by Sowore and several civil society groups, was aimed at pressuring President Bola Tinubu’s government to comply with court orders freeing Kanu.
Despite repeated warnings from security agencies, demonstrators vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand his unconditional release.
Before the rally began, police operatives deployed across Maitama and the Central Area had already fired tear gas into the air, dispersing residents and commuters. Witnesses said panic erupted as people ran in different directions.
More details shortly.
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