Amnesty International condemns crackdown on Pro-Kanu protesters in Abuja

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the actions of security operatives who disrupted peaceful demonstrations in Abuja demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The human rights organisation expressed concern over reports that police and other security agencies used tear gas to disperse protesters, describing the move as a clear violation of citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Eyewitnesses reported that security personnel fired several tear gas canisters around the Maitama district on Monday to break up the protesters, who later regrouped at Utako before being dispersed again by armed officers, causing panic among residents and traders.

In a statement shared on its official X handle, Amnesty International denounced the actions of the security agencies, insisting that attempts to suppress peaceful demonstrations were unlawful and signified growing intolerance toward freedom of expression.

The statement read, “Amnesty International receives disturbing reports of attempts to crack down on peaceful protests holding in Abuja, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. People must be allowed to freely exercise their right to peaceful protest. Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent.”

The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to stop the crackdown immediately and address the protesters’ concerns, reminding them of their obligations under both domestic and international human rights laws.

“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by the constitution and by human rights treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force defended its actions, insisting that officers acted lawfully and in compliance with a court order restricting protests near sensitive government areas.

In a post on X, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin explained that the police used minimal force to maintain order and clear blocked routes.

He wrote, “Police teargas protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protesters from the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way. We did NOT block the road but cleared it after it was blocked by the protesters to enable other Nigerians easy passage.”

Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, facing terrorism-related charges.