A combined team of security and defence operatives, forcefully, dispersed protesters led by activist Omoyele Sowore during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally on Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Maitama area of Abuja. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group, is seeking independence for Nigeria’s southeastern Igbo region.
USAfricaonline.com notes that the controversial Kanu has had some favorable rulings from several courts but the Nigerian governments especially under the late retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ignored the rulings/orders of local and international courts.
The protesters gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters, chanting slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.”
AFP reported that the Nigerian police fired tear gas and arrested dozens of protesters, and an AFP journalist who was later released.
