Amnesty International Condemns Use Of Teargas On #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow Protesters In Abuja

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged use of force by security operatives to disperse peaceful protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The protesters, part of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign, were calling on the Federal Government to obey the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted Kanu.

Police had earlier defended the use of teargas, saying officers only acted when demonstrators marched toward Aso Rock in violation of a court order restricting protests around sensitive areas, including the Villa, National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.

On Monday, officers reportedly fired teargas canisters to disperse protesters at the Maitama area before they regrouped at Utako. However, security operatives again moved in, causing panic as commuters and traders fled for safety.

Reacting on its official X handle, Amnesty International Nigeria described the crackdown as illegal and intolerant of peaceful dissent.

The organisation said, “Amnesty International receives disturbing reports of attempts to crack down on peaceful protests holding in Abuja, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. People must be allowed to freely exercise their right to peaceful protest. Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent.”

It urged the Nigerian authorities to immediately end the suppression of protests and ensure that security agencies respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution and international human rights treaties, including the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Meanwhile, Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin denied claims that police blocked major roads, insisting officers only cleared the area after protesters obstructed traffic.

He said the action was necessary to maintain order, stating, “Police teargassed protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order. We did not block the road but cleared it after it was blocked by the protesters to enable other Nigerians easy passage.”

Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, facing terrorism-related charges linked to his campaign for an independent Biafra state.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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