Police in the Federal Capital Territory have arrested Aloy Ejimakor, the lead lawyer representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, along with several other participants in Monday’s protest demanding the separatist leader’s release.
Ejimakor confirmed his detention in a post on his social media platform đ, stating that he and other protesters, including an individual identified as Prince Emanuel, were being held at the FCT Command Criminal Investigation Department. “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Street, Gariki 2, Abuja,” he wrote.
The arrests came hours after security forces deployed tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had gathered near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja’s central district. Ejimakor had earlier described the chaotic scene on social media, saying his eyes and throat were affected by the chemical agent.
“I’m in front of Transcorp Hilton with a mammoth crowd that gathered for #MNKOct20 and the police just exploded teargas. My eyes and throat hurt. They’re scattering everywhere,” Ejimakor posted before his arrest.
The lawyer’s detention marks a significant escalation in the authorities’ response to the demonstration, which drew supporters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu from Department of State Services custody. Kanu has been detained since June 2021 following his controversial rendition to Nigeria from Kenya.
The protest was organized as part of renewed pressure on the Nigerian government to comply with previous court orders directing Kanu’s release. Despite multiple judicial rulings in favor of the IPOB leader, including an appellate court decision ordering his unconditional discharge, authorities have maintained his detention while pursuing terrorism-related charges.
Monday’s demonstration proceeded despite explicit warnings from the Nigeria Police Force and a Federal High Court order restricting protests near sensitive government installations, including Aso Rock Villa and surrounding areas. The police had warned organizers that any attempt to stage demonstrations in prohibited zones would be met with enforcement action.
The use of tear gas and subsequent arrests reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the Kanu case, which remains one of Nigeria’s most contentious legal and political issues. The IPOB leader’s supporters have consistently maintained that his continued detention violates judicial orders and represents an affront to the rule of law.
Ejimakor’s arrest is likely to draw criticism from civil liberties groups and legal professionals who may view the detention of Kanu’s counsel during a peaceful protest as an intimidation tactic. The lawyer has been vocal in advocating for his client’s release and has regularly challenged the legal basis for Kanu’s continued detention.
As of Monday evening, it remained unclear whether formal charges had been filed against Ejimakor and the other detained protesters, or when they might be released from police custody. The FCT Command has not issued an official statement regarding the arrests.
