The Nigerian police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters who had gathered in the capital, Abuja, over the continued detention of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The protesters, led by activist and publisher of the Sahara Reporters news site, Omoyele Sowore, demand the immediate release of Kanu, who is on trial on terrorism charges and heads the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob).
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, has denied the charges. He also holds British nationality.
Ipob is seeking independence for what they call the Biafran nation in south-eastern Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses reported that police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at people gathering as early as 07:00. Police forces also blocked major roads causing significant traffic congestion across the city.
Sowore stated in a social media post that security operatives arrested several individuals, including Kanu's family members and legal team, although police have not commented on the reported arrests.
Despite his battles with the Nigerian government, Kanu remains a cult hero to his many followers, particularly in south-east Nigeria.
Ipob, which was banned in 2017, is associated with armed violence by its wing, the Eastern Security Network, leading to widespread accusations of killings.
Kanu's legal troubles began in 2015 when he was first arrested on terrorism charges but jumped bail. His arrest in 2021 was marked by controversy regarding his extradition from Kenya, although the government there has not clarified its involvement.
After a court dropped charges against Kanu in 2022, this was overturned by the Supreme Court a year later. His defense team is expected to begin proceedings following the court's rejection of their argument regarding the absence of a case.
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