‘Remanding Ejimakor, Prince Kanu Shows Desperate Attempt To Silence Dissent’ – Amnesty International

Global human rights organization Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release detained lawyer Barrister Aloy Ejimakor and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the younger brother of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International described their arrest, detention, and planned arraignment as a “desperate attempt to silence peaceful dissent.”

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release lawyer Aloy Ejimakor and Prince Emmanuel Kanu and drop the bizarre plan to subject them to a sham trial based on fabricated charges,” the statement read.

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The organization strongly condemned their remand in Kuje Correctional Centre, saying it marks “a chilling escalation of the Nigerian government’s relentless efforts to undermine freedom of assembly.”

“What President Bola Tinubu’s government is subjecting Aloy Ejimakor and Prince Emmanuel Kanu to comes in the context of a much wider crackdown on civic space. This travesty of justice must stop,” Amnesty International stated.

The group further accused the authorities of using both security agencies and the judiciary as tools of persecution, warning that continued clampdowns on citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and free expression would only deepen the country’s democratic decline.

“The authorities must stop using the security agents and judiciary as instruments to persecute people who voice dissenting opinions, challenge abuse, or call for accountability,” the statement added.

Amnesty International’s condemnation comes amid public outrage following the arrest of Ejimakor and Kanu during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held on Monday in Abuja. The demonstration, reportedly peaceful at its onset, turned chaotic after security operatives allegedly opened fire to disperse protesters calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

Both men were arraigned on Tuesday and remanded in Kuje Prison until Friday, reportedly without access to legal representation during the court proceedings a development rights advocates have described as a clear violation of due process.

The call by Amnesty International adds international weight to growing demands for transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights in the handling of the ongoing case.