Magistrate orders detention after Abuja protest
A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Their remand followed their alleged participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja. The protest had called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody facing treason-related charges.
The development was made public on Tuesday through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Kanunta Kanu, another of Nnamdi Kanu’s brothers.
“The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” the post read.
Police arraign 12 suspects
Prior to the court’s decision, the Nigeria Police had arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 other individuals in connection with the Abuja protest. The protesters had gathered to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader, whose case has been a subject of national and international attention.
The court documents relating to their arraignment were shared online by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), through his official X account.
According to the documents, the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace, allegedly in violation of existing court orders.
Allegations include disruption of traffic and public order
The prosecution alleged that during the Monday protest, the defendants obstructed the free movement of citizens, disrupted traffic, and chanted war songs while calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
The police further stated that these actions amounted to a deliberate violation of public order and were capable of breaching national security.
The charges were brought under relevant sections of Nigerian law dealing with public disturbance and violation of lawful orders.
Police spokesperson confirms charges
On Monday, Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, confirmed during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” programme that Ejimakor and Emmanuel Kanu had been taken into custody along with other protesters.
He disclosed that the suspects would face charges after investigations were concluded.
“We have taken them into custody and investigation is ongoing. They will be charged to court,” Hundeyin said.
As confirmed on Tuesday, the suspects were arraigned and subsequently remanded in Kuje prison pending further court proceedings.
Background: Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since 2021 after being extradited to Nigeria. He faces multiple charges, including treasonable felony, over his agitation for Biafra’s independence.
His case has drawn global attention, with human rights groups, legal experts, and political observers calling for either his release or an expedited trial in line with constitutional provisions.
Ejimakor, as Kanu’s legal representative, has been at the forefront of the legal battle to secure his release. Prince Emmanuel Kanu has also been vocal in advocating for his brother’s freedom.
Legal and political implications
The detention of both a lead defence lawyer and a close family member has generated significant public debate. Legal analysts say the development may influence the tempo of the upcoming Thursday trial, which was expected to mark a significant stage in Kanu’s legal proceedings.
Critics have argued that the arrests may be seen as a move to intimidate the defence team or stifle legitimate political expression, while security agencies maintain that the law must be enforced when protests violate public order.
Human rights groups are expected to closely monitor the case, which may further escalate political and legal tensions surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention.
What happens next
The magistrate court has ordered the remand of Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the other defendants in Kuje prison pending the next hearing date. Their legal teams are expected to file applications for bail in the coming days.
The Thursday trial of Nnamdi Kanu is still scheduled to hold, although it remains unclear whether the remand of his lawyer will affect proceedings.
