Economic and social activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were largely paralysed yesterday after a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration led by activist Omoyele Sowore was met with heavy security deployment and tear gas.

The protest calling for the unconditional release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu began at around 6:00 a.m., when police blocked major access routes into the city, causing severe gridlock that prevented many workers from reaching their offices.

Planned as a peaceful march, the demonstration turned violent in Maitama when police and other security operatives fired tear gas at protesters, scattering the crowd. Witnesses said the protesters, who had gathered near the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters, chanted “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and warned officers not to use force shortly before gunshots were reportedly heard and participants fled the area.

Police had earlier warned demonstrators not to approach Aso Rock, the National Assembly complex and surrounding areas, and vowed to deal with any breaches.

Residents, Commuters Stranded as Roads Sealed

The police barricades and ensuing stampede left residents and commuters stranded. Motorists from Bwari, Ushafa, Dutse and parts of Kubwa experienced the worst delays, while commuters on the Nyanya–Mararaba road were held up at multiple checkpoints. Traffic also stalled along the Keffi–Abuja expressway after soldiers stopped vehicles for checks near the Karu Bridge.

“I’ve been stuck in one spot for over an hour,” said Usman Jibrin, a commuter in Sokale. “If people want to go to the Villa, why should that punish those of us on the outskirts? This is unfair.”

Because protesters planned to march to the State House, security around Aso Villa was tightened. Soldiers, police and operatives believed to be from the DSS blocked access to the Three Arms Zone, intensified stop-and-search checks and redirected even authorised staff away from usual entry points. Some State House employees were diverted from the fire service gate to an alternate route through Force Headquarters.

Traffic disruption extended beyond the Villa, with detours and advisories issued to workers travelling from the Airport Road and Central Business District corridors.

Arrests, Assaults and Equipment Damage

Authorities arrested several protesters, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, and Kanu’s brother, Fineboy Kanu. Omoyele Sowore reportedly escaped arrest.

Journalists covering the protest also came under attack. An AFP reporter, John Okunyomih, was reportedly manhandled by security operatives and had his camera and equipment damaged near the Unity Fountain. Business Day journalist Tony Ailemen said a police officer fired a tear-gas canister directly at his car, shattering the rear windshield.

The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the assault and arrests in a statement by Secretary Jide Oyekunle, calling the attacks “a gross violation of press freedom” and demanding an immediate investigation. The NUJ urged the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police to identify and sanction officers responsible, and to replace damaged equipment as a deterrent against future attacks on media professionals.

Sowore Demands Releases, Threatens Further Action

Reacting to the arrests, Omoyele Sowore condemned what he described as “illegal detention” and demanded the immediate release of those taken into custody. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore warned the FCT Police to free Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Fineboy Kanu and others, or risk a mobilised crowd moving to and occupying the FCT police command.