Protesters, made up of civil rights activists and pro-democracy groups, gathered in parts of the city under the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign to pressure the government to comply with a Court of Appeal ruling that discharged and acquitted Kanu. Despite the court judgment, Kanu remains in the custody of the State Security Service on terrorism-related charges.

Police operatives reportedly fired tear gas at demonstrators around the Maitama and Utako areas, forcing them to disperse. The incident triggered panic among commuters, traders, and motorists.

In response, Amnesty International called the crackdown illegal, urging authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.

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The Nigeria Police Force defended its actions, saying officers only intervened after protesters attempted to march toward Aso Rock in violation of a court order restricting demonstrations in sensitive areas of the capital. Police also denied blocking roads, claiming they only acted to clear traffic disruptions caused by the protest.

Amnesty has called for an immediate end to what it described as the suppression of dissent and urged authorities to engage with the protesters’ demands.

Source: Punch