Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow peaceful rally in Abuja, including Emmanuel Kanu, brother to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
Normalcy has since returned to the Federal Capital Territory after Monday’s tense confrontation between security operatives and the protesters demanding Kanu’s freedom.
A Kuje Magistrate Court on Tuesday remanded Emmanuel Kanu, Ejimakor, and several others following their arraignment by the police for alleged “incitement and public disturbance.”
Court documents revealed charges of obstructing traffic and chanting “war songs” during the protest.
Wabara condemned what he described as “unjustified police brutality,” accusing officers of using teargas on peaceful demonstrators and assaulting a journalist whose camera was reportedly damaged.
He said such actions “tarnish Nigeria’s global image” and urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security agencies to order.
“It is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protests,” Wabara stated. “The police should protect protesters, not attack them.”
He cited ongoing mass protests in the U.S. as examples of how law enforcement can respect civil rights without resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the arrest of Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu was part of a “coordinated plot” to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming court hearing scheduled for Thursday.
As of Tuesday morning, commercial and social activities had resumed across Abuja, though a heavy security presence remained.
The protesters, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, have vowed to continue their demonstrations until Kanu is freed.—