Prominent lawyer and member of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor, says he has been arrested by the police during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja on Monday.
Ejimakor confirmed his arrest in a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 7:58 a.m., stating that he was detained alongside several others at the FCT Command CID, located at No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT Command CID,” Ejimakor wrote.
The lawyer had been part of the team mobilising protesters for the nationwide demonstration calling for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, who has been in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since June 2021.
Monday’s protest, spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, followed weeks of debate and a court ruling that allowed the demonstration but restricted gatherings near sensitive government areas such as Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
Organisers, however, said they were not formally served the order and vowed to proceed with the protest as planned. Videos shared on social media earlier in the day showed Ejimakor and Sowore leading chants of “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) building in Maitama, before security operatives opened fire to disperse the crowd.
The footage ended abruptly amid gunshots, with Sowore seen running from the scene as protesters shouted, “Let’s go to Berger.” It remains unclear if that was the exact moment Ejimakor was detained.
When contacted, FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh declined to comment, saying she was not authorised to speak on the protest. Another officer listed as the designated spokesperson also refused to provide details.
Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for treasonable felony and terrorism-related charges, is scheduled to open his defence on Tuesday.
