Tension gripped parts of Abuja on Monday morning, 20 October 2025, as security operatives reportedly opened fire to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
According to reports, the demonstration, held in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, began peacefully before security forces arrived and allegedly fired shots into the air to break up the crowd.
The protest was led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of the IPOB leader. Demonstrators were seen carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now.”
Eyewitnesses said the protesters had gathered peacefully, singing solidarity songs and calling for Kanu’s release, before the atmosphere turned tense. Security personnel reportedly stormed the scene and began shooting into the air, causing panic among protesters, hotel guests, and passers-by.
“They were peaceful, just singing and carrying banners, when the police suddenly started shooting,” one eyewitness told reporters.
The gunfire reportedly sent people running in different directions to avoid harm.
As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether anyone was injured or killed during the incident.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanu, is part of a series of nationwide demonstrations calling for the IPOB leader’s immediate and unconditional release. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021, despite several court rulings ordering his freedom.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the reported confrontation.