Former presidential candidate, Sowore, had stormed the FCT command earlier on Monday.
Lawless operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have again attacked human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, while he was demanding the unconditional release of individuals arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration.
Former presidential candidate, Sowore, had stormed the FCT command earlier on Monday.
In a statement shared on his verified social media handle, Sowore said the group relocated to the police command after the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Fineboy, and several others.
"We relocated to the FCT_PoliceNG command today to ensure the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Fineboy, his lawyer, Barrister @AloyEjimakor Ejimakor, and 11 others who were arrested and tortured for participating in #FreeNnamdiKanuNow peaceful protest," Sowore said.
He alleged that while at the command, the protesters were attacked by police officers.
"While we were there, we commenced another phase of our protest, and the police responded by attacking us right in front of the command," he stated.
Sowore further accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of ordering that the detained protesters be questioned and possibly held further.
"We were informed that the illegal Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun requested that they be ‘interviewed’ and possibly detained. This will not stand," Sowore declared.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which has spread across several cities, is demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention has drawn criticism from rights groups and activists.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Nigerian police arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, over the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Confirming the development, human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back movement, Sowore demanded their immediate release by the Nigerian police authorities.
"The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalise #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu's brother, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders," he posted on his social media handles Monday.
"They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately.”
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja,” Ejimakor also posted on Monday morning.
One of Kanu’s brothers, Kanunta Kanu, also confirmed the arrest in post, saying, “Breaking news. FCT police COMMAND CID Abuja, No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki Area 2, illegally arrested Barrister Aloy Ejimako and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Special counsel and youngest brother and others. They should be released immediately because, it is their right to protest.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters Sowore, several clergymen, and their supporters during a protest at the Transcorp Hilton area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had gathered to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, were dispersed by heavily armed police officers deployed around the hotel and adjoining streets.
Among the demonstrators were pastors and members of civil society organisations who were chanting solidarity songs before security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse them.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier fired tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, dispersing passersby and commuters amid heightened tension ahead of the planned #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest.
The demonstration, championed by human rights activist Sowore and several pro-democracy groups, was billed to hold today, October 20, 2025, with protesters vowing to march to the Presidential Villa to demand the immediate release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
We relocated to the @FCT_PoliceNG command today to ensure the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Fineboy, his lawyer, Barrister @AloyEjimakor Ejimakor, and 11 others who were arrested and tortured for participating in #FreeNnamdiKanuNow peaceful protest. While we…
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) October 20, 2025
However, even before protesters arrived at the designated convergence points, police officers deployed to Maitama and the Central Area fired multiple tear gas canisters, throwing residents and workers into panic. Witnesses said many people who were simply on their way to work were caught in the chaos and scampered for safety.
“There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” a witness told SaharaReporters.
“Everyone started running, even roadside traders and taxi drivers.”
Security forces, including soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), took over strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.
The lockdown follows warnings issued by the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, cautioning organisers to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace. Despite the threats, organisers have vowed to proceed, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s government of gross contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.
