Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.
Sowore, who made the allegation while speaking on The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, claimed that security forces opened fire and released tear gas shortly after the protest commenced in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
According to him, the demonstration was peaceful and orderly before security operatives arrived with multiple trucks and began shooting into the air to disperse participants.
“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest.
“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us. Tear gas, some live bullets were fired,” Sowore said.
He added that while no protester appeared to have been struck by live rounds, several individuals, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and one of his lawyers, were arrested and allegedly beaten before being taken to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
“Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” he said.
Sowore alleged that the operation involved a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He condemned the use of excessive force on peaceful demonstrators, stressing that the incident reflected a pattern of government intolerance toward civil protest.
Earlier, the activist criticised the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing the process as a sham designed to obstruct justice.
He called on the Federal Government to present its evidence in court rather than continue detaining him indefinitely.
Despite police warnings and a subsisting court injunction, protesters had gathered in the capital city chanting slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us.”
However, within minutes, security forces allegedly fired tear gas and live ammunition into the air, forcing demonstrators to scatter in panic.
It was gathered that there was heightened security presence across major parts of Abuja on Monday, with personnel stationed around the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.
Access roads to the Federal Secretariat and surrounding areas were also said to have been barricaded, and Unity Fountain, the usual convergence point for civic demonstrations, was sealed off to motorists and pedestrians.
Elsewhere, a combined team of police and soldiers reportedly fired tear gas at a crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in the Utako area.
Eyewitnesses said the gathering was unrelated to the protest but dispersed quickly when security operatives moved in.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, had earlier issued an interim injunction restricting protests around key government institutions, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Police Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Police authorities had warned that anyone flouting the directive would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that digital surveillance tools would be used to track incitement or mobilisation efforts online.
Sowore, however, questioned the legality of the order, insisting it was selectively applied.
“If there’s a valid injunction, why was it not served on those protesting in support of Kanu’s continued detention? Over 100 lawyers are ready to challenge that order once we receive a copy,” he said.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges but fled the country after being granted bail.
He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances.
Recently, the Federal High Court dismissed his no-case submission, clearing the path for the continuation of his terrorism trial.
His legal team has since raised concerns about his health, demanding his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja.
Monday’s demonstration also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a nationwide campaign against police brutality and human rights violations.
Many Nigerians marked the day in remembrance of victims of the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shootings.
#FreeNnamdiKanu #Sowore #EndSARS #HumanRights #AbujaProtest #PoliceBrutality #JusticeForKanu #NigeriaNews
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