Police Arraign Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, 10 Others Over Abuja Protest
The Nigeria Police Force have arraigned Aloy Ejimakor, counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, alongside Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the separatist leader’s younger brother, and ten other individuals in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja on Monday.
The arraignment took place on Tuesday at a Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the defendants faced charges of inciting public disturbance, obstruction of movement, and breach of peace.
According to court documents shared by former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, the police accused the group of mobilizing protesters who disrupted public order, obstructed vehicular movement, and chanted “war songs” while demanding the release of Kanu, who remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Police prosecutors alleged that the protest contravened an existing court order restricting public demonstrations in certain parts of Abuja, particularly near government buildings and high-security zones.
Earlier on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today that Ejimakor, Prince Kanu, and others were apprehended for attempting to gain access to restricted areas during the demonstration.
Hundeyin stated,
“We arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer because they insisted on accessing restricted areas. Alongside them, six others were also arrested around the Transcorp area for the same reason, making a total of eight suspects. They are at the State CID, and once investigations are completed, they will face prosecution.”
However, sources close to the defendants described the arrests as politically motivated and a deliberate attempt to intimidate those calling for Kanu’s freedom.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which drew dozens of supporters, was organized to demand compliance with recent court rulings ordering Kanu’s unconditional release.
Meanwhile, security has been heightened around key locations in Abuja, including the Federal High Court and the Ministry of Justice, amid concerns that the arraignment could trigger further demonstrations by IPOB sympathizers.
The case has been adjourned pending further hearing, as human rights groups and pro-Biafra activists continue to call for due process and the protection of the accused persons’ rights.
