Police Justify Use of Tear Gas During #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja

 

The Nigeria Police Force has defended its actions during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja, maintaining that officers operated within the law and only deployed tear gas to prevent demonstrators from entering restricted government zones.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the police acted based on a valid court order issued by the Federal High Court on Friday.

“We got a court order specifically about this protest and restricting protests from certain areas like the Aso Villa, the Supreme Court, the National Assembly, Eagle Square, the Force Headquarters and Shagari Way. As a law enforcement agency, we are duty-bound to enforce that order,” he said.

Hundeyin stated that intelligence reports indicated possible unrest if protesters were allowed into the restricted zones, stressing that the police had a responsibility to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“We have records of past protests where things were destroyed. So, it is our duty to protect life and property. Whatever lawful steps we need to take to achieve that mandate are what we’ll take,” he added.

The police spokesperson emphasized that only minimal force was applied when protesters allegedly attempted to move toward the restricted areas despite repeated warnings.

“We gave enough warning for these people to step back, but they were adamant. We used tear gas in line with our standard operating procedures. That was the least we could do. Nobody was harmed or injured,” Hundeyin said.

He also dismissed claims that live ammunition was fired during the protest, describing such allegations as “false and misleading.”

“I can state categorically that no live ammunition was fired today. It’s easy for people who are not familiar with the sounds to mistake the firing of tear gas for live bullets, but I can say with authority that only tear gas was used,” he clarified.

Hundeyin further noted that the court order was publicly available and that protest organizers had been directed to appear in court on Monday morning as part of the ongoing legal process.

“The court order is not classified. It’s available, and it clearly stated that the other party should appear this morning at 9 a.m. in court, just for the spirit of fair play,” he explained.

Encouraging Nigerians to express their grievances peacefully, Hundeyin stressed that citizens could still make their voices heard without threatening key institutions or public safety.

“No matter where you protest, your voices will be heard. This is the age of the internet — people can stream and make their voices known. But we must learn from the past and prevent chaos before it happens,” he stated.

The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest was organized by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who had urged Nigerians to gather in Abuja to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Before the demonstration, Sowore had taken to social media to mobilize supporters, emphasizing that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right and urging the police to maintain order without intimidation.

“The planned rally will be a non-violent demand for justice and respect for the rule of law,” he wrote.

On Monday, protesters, including Sowore and other activists, converged at Unity Fountain in Abuja, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards calling for Kanu’s release. They accused the Federal Government of disobeying multiple court orders directing the IPOB leader’s freedom.

According to Hundeyin, officers initially engaged the protesters peacefully but later used tear gas after they attempted to move toward restricted areas. Reports later indicated that demonstrators regrouped around the Utako area of the city, prompting a second dispersal by the police.