Mystery in Abuja: Why Was Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother Arrested at Protest?

Security operatives in Abuja have reportedly arrested Prince Kanu, the younger brother of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, alongside several other supporters during a peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held on Monday.

According to eyewitnesses, the protesters had gathered in the nation’s capital demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021. The demonstration, which began peacefully, was later disrupted when police officers arrived at the scene to disperse the crowd.[irp]

Videos circulating on social media show security personnel using force to arrest several participants, including Prince Kanu, while others fled to avoid being detained.

Speaking to journalists before his arrest, Prince Kanu insisted that the movement would continue to demand justice and freedom for his brother, emphasizing that their call for self-determination must be addressed through dialogue and not intimidation.

As of the time of this report, the FCT Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the arrests or the reasons behind the forceful dispersal of the protesters.

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The Voice of the People (VOP) gathered reactions from several eyewitnesses who condemned the police action, describing it as “an attack on freedom of expression.” Others, however, argued that the protest lacked proper authorization, which might have led to the intervention.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have taken to social media to demand the release of those arrested, using hashtags such as #FreeNnamdiKanu, #JusticeForKanu, and #EndSuppression.

More updates are expected as the situation develops.