Twelve individuals, including Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel “Fineboy” Kanu, were on Monday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje following their arrest during a protest in Abuja.

The group was taken into custody by security forces during a demonstration held under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, which called for the immediate release of the separatist leader.

The protest began in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory and was reportedly aimed at drawing attention to Kanu’s continued detention.

Despite being largely peaceful, security operatives swiftly intervened, citing intelligence reports and a standing court order banning protests near strategic government facilities.

Witnesses reported the use of tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd, sparking panic among passersby and businesses in the area.

Police authorities confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects were charged with unlawful assembly, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The accused were transferred to the Kuje Magistrate Court for arraignment under tight security.

Speaking shortly after the court session, human rights activist and protest convener Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrests, alleging the demonstrators were targeted despite peaceful conduct.

“This is nothing short of political persecution,” Sowore said. “People have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and to demand justice.”

The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and diaspora organisations.

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) called the detentions “a dangerous affront to civil liberties,” demanding the immediate and unconditional release of those involved.

Also Read: Police to Arraign Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother, Others Over Abuja Protest

Ejimakor, a key legal representative in Kanu’s ongoing trial, has long argued that the Federal Government has flouted multiple court orders regarding Kanu’s case, including previous rulings that favored his release.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in DSS custody amid terrorism-related charges.

He was re-arrested in 2021 under controversial circumstances and has since faced repeated delays in his legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, legal representatives for the detained protesters said they intend to file for bail and challenge the legality of the arrests in a higher court.