SaharaReporters learned that one of the demonstrators, identified as Declan Ihekaire, was taken into custody during the rally, which called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a participant in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Lagos State.

SaharaReporters learned that one of the demonstrators, identified as Declan Ihekaire, was taken into custody during the rally, which called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The #FreeNnamdiKanu movement continues to draw widespread attention across Nigeria and internationally, as supporters demand Kanu’s release despite several court rulings ordering his freedom.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the police had released AFP journalist John Okunyomih, who had been detained while covering the same protest. Okunyomih was manhandled by security operatives, who also damaged his camera and other professional equipment.

Speaking to SaharaReporters shortly after his release, the journalist narrated how he was arrested while covering the protest near the Transcorp Hilton area of the Federal Capital Territory.

“I have been released. They damaged my camera, seized my mobile phone, and forcefully removed my gas mask,” he said.

“I was covering the protest near the Transcorp Hilton when they came and arrested me. It took the intervention of the French Embassy, who spoke to them while they were holding me. They cautioned them not to touch any journalists."