Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has demanded the immediate release of all individuals arrested during Monday’s peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
The call came as normalcy slowly returned to the Federal Capital Territory following the confrontation between security forces and demonstrators calling for the liberation of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a court sitting at Kuje, Abuja, a magistrate remanded Emmanuel Kanu (brother to IPOB’s leader) and their lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, along with others.
Wabara sharply condemned the actions of security operatives who fired teargas canisters and allegedly mistreated a journalist covering the protest.
He described the crackdown as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.”
He further warned that such arrests could escalate tensions in the South‑East, emphasising that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental citizen right.
Comparing the situation to the US “No King” protest involving millions, Wabara challenged Nigerian security agencies to learn from international standards in handling demonstrations.
He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)‑led federal government, accusing it of resorting to intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.
