Supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) held a large-scale demonstration across central London on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, coinciding with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The protest, organized by the IPOB UK chapter and described as a “mega protest,” ran from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Demonstrators gathered at symbolic locations including Parliament Square, 10 Downing Street, the Commonwealth Office, and the Nigerian High Commission.
Carrying placards reading “Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu” and “Release MNK Now,” many participants wore red caps and waved Biafran flags, a horizontal tricolour of red, black, and green featuring a golden rising sun in the centre.
The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in Nigerian custody since his 2021 extradition from Kenya.
Additional calls included a referendum on Biafran self-determination, an end to what they described as bad governance in Nigeria, and strong opposition to any royal honours or reception for President Tinubu during his visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
In circulating video footage from the event, one protester declared: “Our message is very clear: Tinubu does not deserve a royal salute. That is our stand today, being the 18th of March.” Other clips featured chants and statements labelling the president as undeserving of royal recognition, amid accusations of presiding over repression and injustice.
The demonstration was billed as peaceful, with organizers inviting “all lovers of freedom, justice, and human rights” to participate. It highlighted ongoing frustrations within pro-Biafra circles over Kanu’s detention, despite court rulings and international advocacy for his release.
President Tinubu’s visit marks the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in 37 years and aims to strengthen bilateral ties, economic diplomacy, and cooperation.
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