By Eunice Orike
Protests led by activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday, demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has caused significant disruptions across parts of Abuja, leaving major roads deserted, shops closed, and commuters stranded.
The demonstration crippled movement along key corridors such as Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja–Keffi Expressway, and Ushafa Bridge.
Many commercial drivers withdrew their services, resulting in widespread transport paralysis.
According to Nigerian Pilot, movement from the Lugbe axis became nearly impossible shortly after the NNPC junction, as motorists were forced to divert toward Wuse and Wuse 2.
The report noted that even upon reaching Maitama, commuters were unable to find access routes around the FCDA area, worsening the gridlock.
Reports from Gwagwalada, has indicated relative calm but widespread compliance among members of the Igbo business community, who locked up shops in solidarity with Kanu. Park Road, usually bustling with commercial activity, was almost deserted.
According to an eyewitness, “Being an Igbo man, I locked my office in solidarity,” said Mazi Agu Okechukwu Samuel, Director of Lion Property Enterprise Limited, while most banks, schools and fuel stations in Gwagwalada remained open,
Another eyewitness said the Abuja-Keffi expressway and parts of Ushafa Bridge witnessed severe transport disruption. Commuters were stranded for hours with no commercial vehicles available.
“I am currently stranded at Ushafa Bridge,” one “There are no vehicles in sight. I’ve briefed the relevant authorities and we’re just hoping the situation improves”, the resident said.
Security presence intensified in the city as a joint task force checkpoint was mounted at Sokale Roundabout, creating gridlock and forcing motorists to divert through alternate routes to Wuse and Maitama.
An eyewitness said an attempt to film the scene was met with a “stern warning” from a soldier, as authorities appeared determined to maintain tight control of the protests.
Commercial drivers took advantage of the disruption, hiking fares sharply, a short motorcycle trip from Sokale to Oando Express reportedly cost N700.
The protest, mobilized by Sowore and other civil rights groups, called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 on charges related to treasonable felony and agitation for secession.
Kanu, leader of IPOB, was re-arrested abroad and returned to Nigeria in controversial circumstances.
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, joined voices calling for Kanu’s freedom, describing his prolonged detention as “an affront to justice and democracy.”
As of the time of this report, there was no official statement from the Federal Government or security agencies.
Normalcy was gradually returning to some parts of Abuja, though commuters and traders remained wary of possible escalation.
