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| #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters in Lagos |
On Monday, October 20, 2025, Nigerian police opened fire on protesters, resulting in arrests and injuries. The demonstrators, advocating for the release of detained pro-Biafra independence leader Nnamdi Kanu, faced police action in Abuja, Lagos, and other regions during peaceful gatherings.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who organized the protest, was assaulted along with journalists in Abuja. Sowore denounced the police violence as undemocratic and a breach of human rights.
Gazette Africa confirmed the arrests of Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, and Emmanuel Kanu, the detained IPOB leader’s brother.
Amnesty International condemned the heavy-handed response, demanding the immediate release of those arrested and urging Nigerian authorities to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations, including freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Kanu, who seeks a referendum for an independent Biafra, has been detained since 2021 following his abduction in Kenya and rendition to Nigeria. Despite a Nigerian Court of Appeal ordering his release, the government has not complied.