A massive gridlock paralyzed the busy Kugbo–Nyanya stretch of the Abuja–Keffi Expressway on Monday morning, following a heavy security crackdown on demonstrators demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest led to the deployment of security personnel, who moved in early to disperse the peaceful gathering. This security action, coupled with protest-related gatherings and parked vehicles obstructing lanes, forced traffic to a near standstill, causing long delays for motorists heading into Abuja from the Nyanya and Kugbo axis. Commuters reported that the congestion began early and worsened as the morning progressed.
In a significant escalation, security forces arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, during the operation. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development and demanded their immediate release, stating that the police team “brutalized” the protesters and arrested “innocent bystanders.”
Ejimakor also confirmed the arrest on his social media handles, posting: “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja.” The arrested individuals were reportedly beaten before being taken to the FCT command.
