Umuahia, the Abia State capital, was on Monday completely grounded as residents stayed away from their daily activities in solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest championed by activist Omoyele Sowore.
According to Vanguard, the usually bustling streets were deserted, with only a few vehicles and tricycles seen moving around the city.
Shops, banks, petrol stations, markets, and motor parks remained shut, leaving the capital in near silence. Both public and private schools also failed to open for academic activities.
Some schools had, over the weekend, issued notices to parents, advising them not to bring their children to school on Monday due to the planned protest.
At the popular Isigate market, stalls and tables were covered, with no traders in sight. Major junctions such as Post Office/Abia Tower, FMC/Bank Road, and Uwakala Road were also empty.
A convoy of joint security patrol vans was sighted along Uwakala Road, apparently deployed to monitor developments.
News360 Info understands that the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his re-arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
His continued detention has fueled protests and calls for his release, with activists accusing the Federal Government of violating his fundamental rights.
