Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the reasons behind the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his younger brother during the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest held in Abuja on Monday, stating that both men violated restrictions and attempted to access prohibited areas.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the clarification while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night. He said the arrests were part of enforcement measures to ensure compliance with security restrictions around sensitive zones in the Federal Capital Territory during the protest.
According to Hundeyin, Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother ignored repeated warnings from security operatives and insisted on gaining entry into a restricted area near Transcorp Hilton, a location under special surveillance during the protest.
“We arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer because they insisted on making their way into restricted areas,” Hundeyin said.
“And not just the two of them—six other individuals were arrested for the same reason around Transcorp. So, in total, eight people were taken into custody.”
The police spokesperson explained that the arrests were carried out lawfully and that all detainees were being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) pending the conclusion of investigations.
“They are currently at the state CID, and once we conclude our investigation—as stated in our earlier press release—anyone who violated the court order restricting protests in certain areas will be duly prosecuted,” he said.
“We expect to complete the process within the night, and in less than 24 hours, they will be charged before a court of law.”
Hundeyin reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest but cautioned that defiance of legal boundaries would not be tolerated.
“Protests are allowed under the law, but there must be order. Once protesters cross into restricted zones, it becomes a breach of security protocols, and the police must act,” he added.
The Free Nnamdi Kanu protest, organized by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and supported by opposition groups, called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Security forces had earlier fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators who converged at strategic points in the capital. The Federal Government accuses Kanu of terrorism, treason, and incitement, charges that his supporters say are politically motivated.
