The Nigeria Police Force has defended its use of tear gas to disperse #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja on Monday, insisting the action was taken after the demonstrators violated a subsisting court order restricting protests in key areas of the Federal Capital Territory.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement posted on , said the protesters attempted to approach Aso Rock Villa, contrary to the court directive prohibiting demonstrations near the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

“Police teargassed protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order,” Hundeyin said, adding that officers only cleared the road after it was blocked by the protesters to allow other citizens free movement.

The Police also denied claims that they blocked major roads in Abuja during the protest, stressing that they acted within their constitutional duty to maintain public order and ensure safety.

Meanwhile, lead counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, alleged that police officers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd of peaceful demonstrators gathered in front of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, leaving him with eye and throat irritation.

Similarly, the convener of the protest, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, accused the Police of using live ammunition and unprovoked force against protesters demanding Kanu’s release.

The #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstrations have continued to draw mixed reactions across the country, with rights advocates calling for restraint by security agencies and renewed dialogue over the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader.

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