Human rights activist and convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, Omoyele Sowore, has visited the 13 individuals arrested during Monday’s peaceful protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The visit took place at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, where Sowore met with Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, and other detained protesters.
Protest Disrupted by Security Operatives
The protest, held on Monday, 20 October, was intended to draw attention to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu despite multiple court orders calling for his release.
However, the peaceful gathering was violently dispersed by Nigerian security operatives who reportedly fired tear gas at the crowd before arresting several participants.
Among those detained were Barrister Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and other activists, who were later transferred to Kuje Prison.
Detainees in High Spirits Despite Police Assault
Following his visit on Tuesday, 22 October, Sowore provided an update on their condition, assuring that the detained protesters remain resilient. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“We had a productive meeting today with Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister @AloyEjimakor, his brother Emmanuel Kanu, Barr. Wisdom Okere, and 10 others who were arrested and brutalised by the Nigeria Police Force for participating in a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest at Kuje Prison.”
He added that despite facing maltreatment, the activists remain “in high spirits” as they continue to push for freedom and justice.
Sowore Condemns Police Action and Calls for Accountability
Sowore further alleged that officers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command subjected the detained protesters to more brutality after the protest ended.
According to him, the police “heavily unleashed tear gas against them within their premises before detaining them at the notorious SARS Abattoir.”
He described the act as “highly condemnable” and demanded accountability from the police leadership.
“We will continue to demand the removal of the illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egberokun, for his irresponsible leadership,” Sowore stated.
The activist reaffirmed his commitment to continue the campaign for Nnamdi Kanu’s release and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
