Amnesty International has condemned the dispersal by Nigerian police of peaceful protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The human rights organization described reports of arrests and a crackdown on the demonstrators as “disturbing and unacceptable.” It emphasized that the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free expression must be respected without intimidation.
In its statement, Amnesty International demanded the immediate release of those arrested, stating that any suppression of peaceful dissent is illegal. It reminded the Nigerian government of its obligations under the nation’s constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The protest involved crowds carrying placards and chanting songs, calling for Kanu’s freedom. They argue his continued detention defies multiple court orders for his release.
This statement increases pressure on the federal government to address Kanu’s prolonged detention, a situation that continues to raise significant human rights concerns both within Nigeria and internationally.
