In a tense confrontation in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, police resorted to firing tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters demanding the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu. The demonstration, organized by activist Omoyele Sowore, publisher of the Sahara Reporters, began as early as 07:00 local time. Kanu, the head of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), has been detained since 2021 on terrorism charges, which he denies. Ipob advocates for the independence of the Biafran region in southeastern Nigeria. Eyewitnesses reported that police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at the gathering crowd, while also blocking major roads, causing significant traffic disruptions and confusion across the city. Sowore, in a post on X, alleged that security forces had arrested several individuals, including Kanu’s family members and legal team. The police have yet to comment on these claims. The protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Kanu’s detention and the broader issue of Biafran separatism in Nigeria.