Security tensions escalated on Monday as the Nigeria Police Force arrested a protester during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Lagos.
The arrested individual has been identified as Declan Ihekaire, one of the leading participants in the rally demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that Ihekaire was taken into custody by police officers while participating in the protest, which formed part of a nationwide movement calling on the Federal Government to obey court rulings ordering Kanu’s release.
The protest, which began peacefully, was part of renewed efforts by activists, civil society groups, and human rights defenders to pressure authorities into freeing the IPOB leader.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, despite several court judgments granting him bail and declaring his continued detention illegal.
The arrest in Lagos comes shortly after police reportedly detained and later released AFP journalist, John Okunyomih, in Abuja while covering the same protest.
Okunyomih was allegedly manhandled by security operatives, who damaged his camera and other professional tools during the incident near the Transcorp Hilton area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking after his release, Okunyomih recounted his experience: “They damaged my camera, seized my mobile phone, and forcefully removed my gas mask.
I was covering the protest near the Transcorp Hilton when they came and arrested me. It took the intervention of the French Embassy, who cautioned them not to touch any journalists.”
The nationwide #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest has drawn growing attention from international observers, human rights organizations, and the global Igbo diaspora.
Many have accused Nigerian security forces of using excessive force to suppress peaceful protesters and journalists.
Human rights lawyer and activist Omoyele Sowore, one of the coordinators of the movement, had earlier accused the police of firing tear gas and arresting demonstrators unlawfully in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has warned President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi against violating citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
