Emiola Osifeso

A group of demonstrators on Monday morning took to the streets of Abuja to stage a counter-protest against the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement, which has been calling for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The counter-protesters, who converged around the Labour House bridge in the Central Business District of Abuja, were seen waving the Nigerian flag while music played from mobile speakers mounted on their vehicles. Their presence was aimed at challenging the earlier rally organized by activists demanding Kanu’s freedom.

Some of the participants carried placards with inscriptions such as “No Pressure to the Rule of Law” and “Nigeria Must Remain One,” in an apparent show of support for the government’s continued detention of the IPOB leader.

The demonstration took place around 10:00 a.m., and onlookers observed that at least three 30-seater Coaster buses had conveyed the counter-protesters to the location. Several of them were dressed in branded T-shirts and caps, while others chanted pro-Nigeria slogans, urging respect for the judicial process and condemning what they described as “attempts to destabilize the nation under the guise of activism.”

Security presence was visibly heavy at the scene, with armed police officers stationed under the bridge to maintain order. Barricades were mounted to restrict vehicular movement along the route, while officers ensured that both the counter-protesters and the earlier group of activists were kept apart to prevent possible clashes.

The counter-protest lasted for about 20 minutes before the group dispersed peacefully under police supervision.

Earlier in the day, tension had flared in another part of Abuja after security operatives dispersed the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters with teargas near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Maitama District. The demonstration, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, had attracted dozens of participants demanding that the Federal Government comply with court orders and release Kanu, who has been in custody since June 2021.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Nigerian government accuses him of inciting violence and unrest across parts of the South-East through his broadcasts and public statements. His supporters, however, insist that his continued detention is unlawful and politically motivated.

The latest protest and counter-protest have once again drawn attention to the deep national divisions surrounding Kanu’s case and the agitation for Biafra. While pro-Biafra supporters argue that Kanu’s incarceration violates his rights to free expression and self-determination, others maintain that releasing him without due process could embolden separatist movements and undermine Nigeria’s unity.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives continued to patrol key parts of the capital to forestall further unrest. The situation remained calm, although political observers believe the renewed wave of demonstrations could signal a heightened period of activism and confrontation between government authorities and civil rights groups in the coming weeks.

The Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the day’s events or clarify whether any arrests were made during either protest. However, both sides, those calling for Kanu’s release and those defending his continued trial appear resolute in their positions, reflecting the enduring tension over one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures.