Amnesty International Condemns Nigeria’s Use of Force on Peaceful Protesters
Amnesty International has strongly condemned the lethal use of force by Nigerian security forces during the peaceful protests held yesterday in Abuja, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement posted yesterday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the global human rights organization expressed deep concern over what it described as “atrocities” committed by security operatives against protesters, lawyers, and journalists.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the lethal use of force during today’s peaceful protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Protesters, lawyers and journalists were subjected to atrocities that include arrests, beatings, confiscation of cameras, as well as dangerous and reckless use of tear gas.
Once again, the Nigerian authorities have failed to respect and uphold people’s right to freedom of assembly. All incidents must be investigated impartially and the suspected perpetrators brought to justice through fair trials,” the statement read.
Security operatives were seen firing tear gas and beating protesters. Journalists covering the demonstrations had their cameras seized, while several others were reportedly detained, including the sibling of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Barr. Aloy Ejimakor.
Witnesses reported that major roads were blocked with commercial trucks, including Dangote trucks, while in some areas, barbed wire barricades were mounted to prevent movement to deter people from joining the peaceful protest.
Despite government threats and warnings, thousands of people reportedly flooded the streets in Abuja, demanding Kanu’s release and an end to “state-sponsored persecution.”
The Continued Ordeal of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Amnesty International has at several times called on the Nigerian government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in-line with multiple court rulings ordering his release. Kanu’s prolonged detention following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021 has continued to spark national and international outrage.
Many human rights advocates have repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of disobeying court orders, a move many see as an affront to the rule of law.
In recent months, Kanu’s health condition has become a major concern, with his legal team warning that he may not survive continued incarceration.
What IPOB Actually Stands For
Founded in 2012, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, advocates for the right to self-determination of the Biafran people. Contrary to government claims, IPOB insists its struggle is non-violent, rooted in democratic and legal pursuit of freedom from marginalization and oppression through referendum, and has called on Nigeria government to obey democratic process by setting a date for a date for Biafra referendum.
However, IPOB members and sympathizers have faced extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation. Rights groups and observers say the government’s actions have targeted innocent South-Easterners, often branding them as “IPOB members” to justify deadly force.
Arrests of Kanu’s Brother and Lawyer Deepen Outrage
Adding to the tensions, Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s principal legal representatives, was reportedly arrested by security agents in the early hours of the protest, a development that has sparked widespread condemnation.
Amnesty International and other global watchdogs have consistently accused the government of weaponizing security agencies to silence dissent, rather than addressing the underlying political and social grievances.
Observers note that the pattern of repression witnessed in Monday’s protests reflects a broader trend of shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
As calls for justice, accountability, and Kanu’s release intensify, Nigerians and the international community await the government’s next move. For many, the message from Amnesty International could not be clearer: the fight for freedom and dignity cannot be silenced by force.
Nigeria Police Block Peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protesters, Seize Vehicles, Driver and Posters
