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Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, Teargassed During #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest in Abuja
A peaceful protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, turned chaotic on Monday, October 20, 2025, after police officers allegedly fired teargas at demonstrators in Abuja. Among those affected was Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lead counsel, who raised alarm after he was teargassed during the rally.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow and #MNKOct20, drew a large crowd of supporters, activists, and sympathizers who gathered peacefully in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Their demand was clear — that the Federal Government should comply with several court rulings ordering the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
However, tension erupted when security operatives reportedly launched teargas to disperse the crowd. The sudden use of force caused panic and confusion among protesters, many of whom were seen running for safety.
Ejimakor, who was at the forefront of the protest, took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe the ordeal. He wrote:
“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.”
According to the lawyer, the teargas explosion caused severe irritation to his eyes and throat. He expressed shock that a peaceful and lawful gathering calling for justice could be met with such hostility from the police.
Eyewitnesses described the police action as unprovoked and excessive, saying it was an attempt to intimidate peaceful protesters. Many of them accused the authorities of trying to suppress voices advocating for Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom and the respect of court judgments that have repeatedly declared his continued detention illegal.
The protest was part of a broader movement pushing for compliance with the Court of Appeal’s 2022 ruling, which discharged and acquitted Kanu of all terrorism-related charges. Despite the judgment, the IPOB leader has remained in DSS custody, sparking nationwide and international outcry over human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law.
Supporters have vowed not to relent until the government releases Kanu, emphasizing that the Biafra struggle is rooted in peaceful advocacy and constitutional rights. The incident in Abuja has reignited concerns over police brutality, freedom of expression, and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
As of press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Federal Government has issued an official statement regarding the teargassing of protesters or the condition of Aloy Ejimakor and other affected demonstrators.
#FreeNnamdiKanuNow
#MNKOct20
#AloyEjimakor
#EndPoliceBrutality
#JusticeForNnamdiKanu
#AbujaProtest
#HumanRightsViolation
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