A lockdown was imposed on the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday, as security forces dispersed supporters of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, who had gathered for a solidarity protest. The authorities’ response to the demonstration resulted in the disruption of court activities and restricted movement in the capital city.
The protest began early in the morning, with all entrances to the court complex sealed off by 9:30 a.m. Only a few court staff, lawyers, and litigants were present within the premises, while judges were absent. A significant security presence was visible, with deployments and water cannons stationed at key intersections, including routes leading to the Presidential Villa.
The police fired tear gas at intervals to disperse clusters of protesters demanding Kanu’s release. Vehicular movement was restricted, and pedestrians were barred from accessing several adjoining streets. The situation coincided with a scheduled hearing of a suit filed by the Nigeria Police Force against activist Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
However, the hearing could not proceed due to the lockdown of the court. On Friday, Justice Mohammed Umar had issued an interim order restraining Sowore and others from protesting near sensitive government areas. The order was granted following an ex-parte application filed by police counsel Wisdom Madaki, who argued that allowing the protest to hold could threaten national security.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently standing trial for alleged terrorism before Justice James Omotosho of the same court. The police affidavit stated that the protest could compromise national security. Sowore, a publisher and presidential candidate, had mobilized for a peaceful rally to demand Kanu’s release.
The events on Monday resulted in the grounding of court operations and the heavy militarization of the city centre, highlighting the growing tension surrounding Kanu’s continued detention. The situation has significant implications for the country, as it underscores the ongoing concerns about national security and the right to peaceful protest. The next steps in the case and the potential consequences of the lockdown remain to be seen.
