Calls are growing for accountability in Nigeria after police detained and allegedly assaulted journalists covering a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The incident, which took place in Abuja on Monday, has reignited concerns about press freedom and the government’s handling of political dissent.
Witnesses said police used tear gas and force to disperse peaceful protesters gathered in the Utako district of the capital. The demonstrators were part of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign, which seeks to pressure the government to comply with a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that acquitted Kanu. The ruling was later overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing authorities to keep him in custody on terrorism charges.
Among those caught in the crackdown were two journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP); American reporter Nick Roll and Nigerian videographer John Okunyomih – who were filming the protest when police allegedly beat and detained them.
Their cameras were damaged, and their phones seized before they were released two hours later. Several protesters, including one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, were also injured.
Human rights groups and media organizations have condemned the incident, calling it part of a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists and activists.
Meanwhile, Police spokesman Ben Hundeyin defended the officers’ actions, saying tear gas was deployed to prevent protesters from advancing toward sensitive government buildings, including the Aso Villa presidential residence and the National Assembly complex. He did not comment on the reported assaults against journalists.
