Picnews
A Kuje Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, along with 10 others in Kuje prison over their involvement in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja. The protest, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, demanded the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The defendants were charged with inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, and disobeying a court order. According to the police, the protesters blocked roads, disrupted traffic, and chanted war songs, violating an existing court order that barred demonstrations in certain areas of Abuja. Ejimakor claimed the magistrate refused to listen to their submissions and insisted on remanding them until Friday.
Kanuta Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, alleged a conspiracy involving the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial. Omoyele Sowore blamed Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for the arrests, stating that the police acted to get the protesters remanded in prison “at all costs”. The police confirmed the arrests and arraignment, citing the need to maintain public order.
The remand of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and brother has sparked renewed debate over the handling of the case and the government’s approach to peaceful demonstrations. Civil liberties groups have urged transparent and speedy trials, as well as restraint by both protesters and security agencies.
