Massive gridlock hit the Kugbo–Nyanya Expressway on Monday morning as protesters under the banner of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow brought vehicular movement into Abuja to a halt.

The demonstration, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, kicked off around 7 a.m. near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with participants demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been in custody since 2021 on terrorism-related charges.

Reports from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) indicated that the protest caused severe traffic congestion along the Abuja–Keffi highway, as vehicles were parked across lanes and large crowds gathered on the busy route.

Motorists coming from the Kugbo and Nyanya axis faced hours-long delays, with many describing the situation as one of the worst gridlocks in recent months. Several lanes were reportedly blocked by protesters and security vehicles stationed to monitor the situation.

The stretch between Mararaba, Karu, and Nyanya was particularly chaotic, forcing hundreds of commuters, mostly civil servants and traders to abandon vehicles and trek towards the city centre.

Security operatives were seen maintaining a visible presence along the route to prevent escalation, though there were no immediate reports of violence or arrests.

The corridor, historically prone to disruptions during protests or security operations, once again highlighted the vulnerability of Abuja’s main entry points to mass demonstrations.

By mid-morning, traffic had only slightly eased, with authorities urging motorists to use alternative routes while efforts continued to clear the expressway.