The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has strongly condemned the arrest of Prince Emmanuel Kanu — the younger brother of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu — along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and other supporters during Monday’s peaceful protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.
In a statement signed by Sylvester Onyia, AVID President, the group described the arrests and reported use of teargas on demonstrators as “a grave assault on democracy and the rule of law.”
According to Onyia, the protesters had gathered peacefully in Abuja and several other cities across the country on Monday to demand compliance with court orders freeing Kanu, who has been in detention since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime,” Onyia said. “Even during military regimes, Nigerians expressed their grievances through protests.
“It is therefore unacceptable that under a democratic government, citizens are being tear-gassed, arrested, and humiliated for exercising their constitutional rights,” he fumed.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure accountability and direct law enforcement agencies to respect the rule of law and citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
“Police tear-gassing peaceful protesters undermines democracy,” the AVID president stated. “President Tinubu must call for accountability and demonstrate that his administration upholds the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.”
AVID reiterated that it stands firmly against any form of arbitrary arrest or intimidation of peaceful citizens.
The group emphasized that the call for Kanu’s release is rooted in legality, noting that the Court of Appeal, in its October 13, 2022 judgment, discharged and acquitted him, declaring his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria a violation of both local and international laws.
“The Court of Appeal has already made it clear that Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention is illegal,” Onyia added.
“We therefore demand his immediate and unconditional release, alongside his brother, his lawyer, and every supporter arrested for standing on the side of justice.”
AVID said it would continue to advocate for peace, justice, and dialogue, urging the government to engage constructively rather than respond with repression.
“We are veterans who fought for liberty and justice,” Onyia said. “We know that peace cannot be achieved by silencing dissent. The world is watching how Nigeria handles this case — it is a test of the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”
Amnesty International Bemoans Actions of Security Agents
Amnesty International Nigeria criticised the actions of security operatives in disrupting the peaceful demonstrations in Abuja.
It called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The human rights group raised alarm over reports that police and other security agencies used tear gas to disperse protesters, describing the move as a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
Earlier reports indicated that security personnel fired multiple tear gas canisters around the Maitama district on Monday to scatter demonstrators, who later regrouped at Utako before being dispersed again by armed officers, causing panic among residents, traders, and motorists.
Reacting in a statement shared via its official X handle, Amnesty International condemned the security agencies’ conduct, warning that any attempt to suppress peaceful protest is unlawful and represents an intolerant stance against free expression.
“It is disturbing that attempts were made to crack down on peaceful protests 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 called on Nigerian authorities to immediately halt the crackdown and engage constructively with the protesters’ demands, 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 both the country’s own constitution and human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party,” the group added.
Presidency Condemns Lawyers’ Participation in Protest
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, for joining the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest organised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
In a post on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga expressed disappointment over Ejimakor’s decision to join what he described as a “shambolic protest” in Abuja.
“I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore. I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest,” the post read.
Onanuga said Ejimakor, as a counsel representing Kanu in his ongoing treason trial, should be aware that participating in public demonstrations concerning a matter still before the court violates the principle of sub judice.
“As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court. The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu.
“Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process,” he stated.
The presidential spokesman urged the relevant legal authorities to consider disciplinary action against Ejimakor, describing his conduct as unethical and unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in the custody of the Department of State.