The Nigeria Police Force has justified its handling of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, insisting that officers acted legally and only used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who attempted to access restricted government areas.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained in an interview with Channels Television on Monday that the police were enforcing a valid court order obtained from 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.”
Hundeyin said intelligence reports indicated that allowing protesters into these zones could lead to unrest, making it the police’s responsibility to maintain 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.”
The spokesman added that the force used only minimal force when protesters allegedly tried to advance toward the restricted areas despite repeated warnings.
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“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 also denied claims that live ammunition was used, describing such reports 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 noted that the court order was public and that protest organizers were directed to appear in court on Monday morning as part of ongoing proceedings.
“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.”
Hundeyin encouraged protesters to make their grievances heard lawfully, emphasizing that there are many ways to express opinions in Abuja without threatening critical infrastructure.
“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.”
The protest was organized by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who had called on Nigerians to gather in Abuja to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore had used social media to mobilize supporters, stressing that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right and urging the police to ensure safety rather than intimidation.
“The planned rally will be a non-violent demand for justice and respect for the rule of law.”
On Monday, protesters, including Sowore and other activists, gathered at Unity Fountain in Abuja, chanting solidarity slogans and carrying placards demanding Kanu’s release. They accused the Federal Government of defying multiple court judgments ordering the IPOB leader’s freedom.
Hundeyin said police officers engaged the protesters peacefully but resorted to tear gas after they allegedly attempted to move toward the restricted zones.
Reports indicate that protesters later regrouped around the Utako axis of Abuja, leading to a second dispersal by the police.