The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested a participant in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Lagos State, sparking renewed criticism over the handling of peaceful demonstrations in the country.
According to reports gathered by The Trumpet, one of the protesters, identified as Declan Ihekaire, was apprehended during the rally, which called for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement has continued to gain widespread attention both locally and internationally, as supporters persist in their demand for Kanu’s release despite multiple court rulings ordering his freedom.
Earlier, SaharaReporters confirmed that an AFP journalist, John Okunyomih, who had been detained while covering the same protest, was later released by the police. Reports said Okunyomih was assaulted by security operatives, who also damaged his camera and other professional tools during the arrest.
Speaking to News men shortly after his release, the journalist narrated how the incident occurred while covering the protest near the Transcorp Hilton area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“I have been released, but they damaged my camera, seized my mobile phone, and forcefully removed my gas mask,” he said.
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“I was covering the protest near the Transcorp Hilton when they came and arrested me. It took the intervention of the French Embassy, who spoke to them while they were holding me. They cautioned them not to touch any journalists.”
Human rights advocates have since condemned the action, describing it as an infringement on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and press freedom.
The Nigeria Police arrest #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protester in Lagos has added to the growing list of detentions linked to pro-Biafra demonstrations, intensifying calls for authorities to respect lawful expressions of dissent.
As public outrage builds, activists continue to demand transparency, urging the government to release all detained protesters and comply with existing court orders regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Observers note that this latest Nigeria Police arrest #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protester in Lagos incident may further draw global attention to issues surrounding human rights and press freedom in Nigeria.
