Protests Erupt Across Nigeria Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Continued Detention

Tension gripped several parts of Nigeria on Monday, October 20, 2025, as thousands of supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) poured into the streets to demand the release of their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protests, which started in the early hours of the day, spread across major cities in the South-East and Abuja, drawing heavy response from security operatives.

Protesters Demand Freedom for Nnamdi Kanu

In Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, Owerri, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, crowds of men and women, many waving the Biafran flag and wearing T-shirts bearing Kanu’s image, marched through major roads chanting solidarity songs. They carried placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now!”, “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied”, and “Biafra or Nothing.”

Traffic was disrupted in many areas, while business activities were temporarily shut down as traders and transporters closed shops in fear of violence. Witnesses in Enugu reported that police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had blocked the road leading to the Government House. In Aba, protesters defied warnings by the Abia State Police Command, leading to running battles between demonstrators and officers armed with tear gas and water cannons.

Police Respond with Force

The protests took a tense turn in Abuja, where hundreds of IPOB members and sympathisers gathered near the Federal High Court complex, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding Kanu’s immediate release. The police, backed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), responded with what they described as “minimum force” to maintain public order.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that tear gas canisters were fired, and sporadic gunshots were heard as protesters fled for safety. Several demonstrators were arrested, and at least six people were reportedly injured. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, later confirmed that arrests were made, adding that “those found to be disturbing public peace will be prosecuted.”

Government Maintains Stance on Detention

The Nigerian government has continued to insist that Nnamdi Kanu must face trial for the charges leveled against him. The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. He faces multiple charges, including treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement of public disorder—all of which he has consistently denied.

In a press statement released Monday evening, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, said that the government would not succumb to street pressure. “The administration remains committed to due process and the rule of law. While Nigerians are free to express themselves, no one has the right to threaten national peace and unity,” the statement read.

International and Domestic Reactions

The protests have drawn attention both locally and internationally. The United States Embassy in Abuja issued a security alert, warning its citizens to avoid large gatherings and demonstration zones due to the potential for violence. Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International, condemned the heavy-handed approach of the security agencies.

Amnesty International’s Nigeria office called for restraint and dialogue, noting that “the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters violates international human rights law.” SERAP, on its part, urged the federal government to ensure that Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is fair and free from political interference.

IPOB Calls for Sit-at-Home

In response to Monday’s events, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, announced a two-day sit-at-home order across the South-East region to protest the continued detention of their leader and alleged human-rights abuses by security forces. The group urged residents to stay indoors and avoid confrontation, claiming that the Nigerian state has failed to respect judicial pronouncements that had previously favoured Kanu.

The statement read in part: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s illegal detention is an assault on justice and freedom. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to demand his unconditional release. Peaceful protest is our right, and we shall not relent until our leader is free.”

Legal Proceedings Resume Next Week

Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has again filed a motion seeking his unconditional release, citing prolonged detention and alleged disobedience of court orders. The case is expected to come up for hearing at the Federal High Court, Abuja, next week.

According to the defence counsel, the federal government’s refusal to release Kanu despite previous rulings from the Court of Appeal and ECOWAS Court of Justice undermines Nigeria’s credibility as a democratic nation. “Our client has suffered enough. Justice delayed is justice denied. We expect the court to do the right thing this time,” Ozekhome said.

Public Sentiment Remains Divided

While IPOB supporters continue to demand their leader’s freedom, many Nigerians remain divided on the issue. Some argue that Kanu’s rhetoric has contributed to tension and insecurity in the South-East, while others believe that his prolonged detention has turned him into a symbol of resistance and injustice.

Political analysts note that the renewed protests highlight Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with ethnic mistrust, governance failures, and a lack of dialogue between the government and marginalised groups. “What we are seeing is not just about Nnamdi Kanu,” said political commentator Chuks Okolie. “It’s a reflection of the deeper frustration many Nigerians feel about fairness, equity, and representation.”

Looking Ahead

As calm gradually returns to the streets after today’s chaos, the situation remains fragile. Observers warn that without a peaceful and transparent resolution to Kanu’s case, the agitation could escalate, leading to further instability in the region.

For now, the federal government appears determined to press ahead with prosecution, while IPOB supporters remain equally resolute in their demand for freedom. The coming days will likely determine whether this long-running standoff inches closer to peace—or drifts further toward confrontation.

Source: Luchiinter News
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