The recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, sparked significant controversy and led to several arrests, drawing widespread condemnation and raising concerns about Nigeria's democratic health. The demonstration, which aimed to demand the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, disrupted movement in major parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday.

A notable participant in the protest was Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu's legal representatives, who was subsequently arrested along with Kanu's brother and six others. Presidential spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga swiftly criticized Ejimakor's involvement, expressing surprise to see him among the protesters. Onanuga, in posts on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956 and later reiterated, deemed the protest "shambolic" and questioned Ejimakor's adherence to professional ethics. He argued that as a legal practitioner, Ejimakor should observe the principle of sub judice, especially with Kanu's treason trial still ongoing in court and the prosecution having concluded its case. Onanuga accused the lawyer of resorting to "extra-legal tactics" by joining what he termed a "career anarchist" (referring to Sowore) to influence the legal process, urging relevant legal bodies to consider sanctions for his alleged unethical conduct.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrests, explaining that Ejimakor, Kanu's brother, and six others were apprehended for insisting on entering areas restricted during the protest around TRANSCORP. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that all arrested individuals would be charged in court after investigation. While defending the use of tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to approach the Aso Villa—in contravention of a court order restricting protests around key government buildings—the police maintained a "studied silence" on allegations that officers fired live bullets at demonstrators. Omoyele Sowore himself was captured in a viral video fleeing from officers allegedly firing live rounds.

The government's response to the protest and the broader issue of civic freedom garnered strong criticism from various groups. Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, expressed "shame and disappointment" that President Bola Tinubu, a former beneficiary of activism, was now allegedly using state machinery against peaceful protesters. The group accused the Tinubu administration of plotting to assassinate Omoyele Sowore for his continuous advocacy, condemning the attack on Sowore during the protest as a “premeditated attempt on his life” through security operatives reportedly firing live bullets and tear gas. They warned of strong resistance from the Yoruba people and international condemnation if any harm befell Sowore. The Union further criticized Tinubu's government for losing the moral right to lead Nigeria, citing the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu despite Supreme Court judgments ordering his release, arguing that the government should not "cherry-pick which court orders to obey." They announced plans to petition international bodies like the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations to investigate alleged "state-sponsored persecution" of activists in Nigeria.

Echoing these concerns, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) raised alarm over Nigeria’s "shrinking civic space." Marking the fifth anniversary of the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shootings, FENRAD's Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, highlighted a "disturbing trend of repression, intolerance of dissent, and constitutional violations." Nwafor drew parallels between the violent suppression of the #EndSARS protests and the current crackdowns, stating that the "Lekki massacre remains a haunting reminder of the Nigerian state’s unwillingness to listen to its youth." FENRAD also condemned the government's "judicial defiance" in Kanu’s ongoing detention, asserting that it undermines judicial independence and fuels public discontent. The group cited various examples of state repression, including surveillance, arbitrary arrests, crackdowns on critical groups, the 2021 Twitter ban, and judicial harassment. FENRAD called for urgent reforms, including comprehensive police and judicial reforms, respect for judicial authority, protection of protests and civil society, inclusive national dialogue, and accountability from security forces, stressing that Nigeria's democracy cannot thrive where "fear replaces freedom."

This confluence of events underscores a growing tension between the Nigerian government and civil society, marked by accusations of judicial defiance, repression of peaceful protests, and calls for international intervention to safeguard human rights and democratic principles.