The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has provided an official explanation for the dispersal of #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja on Monday, stating that the use of tear gas was necessary because the demonstrators violated a subsisting court order.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified the NPF’s position in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He affirmed that the action was taken after protesters attempted to approach sensitive, restricted areas of the nation’s capital.
Violation of Court-Restricted Zones
According to CSP Hundeyin, the protesters contravened a specific court order that restricts demonstrations near key government institutions.
“Police teargas protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protesters from the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way,” Hundeyin stated.
He maintained that the police were merely carrying out their constitutional mandate as a law-abiding institution to enforce the court’s directives and ensure public order.
Denial of Road Blockade
The police also addressed allegations that security operatives had deliberately blocked major roads in Abuja. Hundeyin refuted this, explaining that the police intervention was aimed at restoring traffic flow, not obstructing it.
“We did NOT block the road but cleared it after it was blocked by the protesters. This is to enable other Nigerians easy passage to their respective destinations,” he wrote.
Protesters Allege Unprovoked Force
Despite the police’s justification, leaders of the protest group accused the NPF of using excessive and unprovoked force.
Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel to the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, confirmed the incident, stating that police officers fired tear gas into the air near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel area. Ejimakor reported experiencing irritation in his eyes and throat following the dispersal.
Similarly, the convener of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, accused the police of escalating the situation further by allegedly firing unprovoked gunshots at the peaceful demonstrators.
The Monday protest was organized to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention facing charges of treason and terrorism. The clash highlights the ongoing tension between citizens’ right to protest and the enforcement of judicial orders restricting movement around sensitive government facilities.
