Police have defended using tear gas to disperse protesters demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, saying they violated a court order restricting protests near sensitive government areas in Abuja.
The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters has defended its use of tear gas to disperse #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja, saying the demonstrators violated a standing court order.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said officers acted within the law after protesters attempted to approach the Aso Villa and other restricted zones.
“Police tear-gassed protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protesters from the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way,” Hundeyin said on X.
He added that police only cleared blocked roads to allow other Nigerians passage.
Amnesty International condemned the police response, describing it as an “attempt to suppress peaceful protests.” The rights group said citizens must be free to demonstrate peacefully, urging authorities to respect the constitutional right to assembly.
Nnamdi Kanu remains in DSS custody facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court, Abuja.