(DDM) – The Nigerian Police have arrested Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, alongside Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back movement, Omoyele Sowore, immediately demanded their release, condemning the police action as excessive and unlawful.
Sowore said the police deployed to “brutalise” peaceful protesters also detained innocent bystanders, urging authorities to free the demonstrators without delay.
Ejimakor confirmed the arrest via social media, stating that he, Prince Emmanuel, and others were being held at the FCT Command Criminal Investigation Department (CID), located at No. 1 Zaria Street, Gariki Area 2, Abuja.
Kanu’s brother, Kanunta Kanu, also called for the immediate release of those detained, describing the arrests as illegal and a violation of citizens’ right to peaceful protest.
Earlier on Monday, security operatives fired tear gas at Sowore, several clergymen, and protesters at the Transcorp Hilton area.
The demonstrators, chanting solidarity songs for Kanu’s release, were dispersed by heavily armed police units stationed around the hotel and adjoining streets.
Before protesters could reach their designated convergence points, officers deployed to Maitama and the Central Area fired multiple tear gas canisters, causing panic among residents, commuters, and roadside traders.
Witnesses reported that many people fleeing the gas included ordinary bystanders on their way to work.
The Nigeria Police Force, along with soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have taken control of strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.
The heightened security measures followed warnings issued by the police on Sunday, cautioning organisers to avoid restricted areas and maintain peace.
Despite these threats, the protest organisers vowed to proceed, accusing the government of contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement seeks the immediate release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of Nigerian security agencies since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya.
The protest reflects escalating tensions between civil society activists and government authorities over freedom of assembly, judicial independence, and the rights of citizens to challenge what they perceive as unlawful detention of political figures.