Economic and social activities came to a standstill in Umuahia on Monday as residents observed a widespread shutdown in response to a protest demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, organised by political activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, saw markets, schools, banks, and other commercial establishments closed across the city.
Major roads were largely deserted as citizens chose to stay indoors, either in solidarity or out of caution.
Tagged #FreeKanu, the demonstration aimed to intensify calls for the Federal Government to release Kanu, who has been in custody since his arrest and extradition in 2021.
Sowore, who has consistently advocated for civil liberties and political freedom, joined voices across the southeast and beyond in what was described as a peaceful protest.
Security presence in the city was noticeable, although no reports of violence or unrest had been confirmed as of press time.
AFRIPOST reports that the protest reflects growing tensions in the region over Kanu’s continued detention, as well as broader concerns about civil rights and political expression in Nigeria.