Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of firing live ammunition and tear gas at peaceful protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally held in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore said the protesters had just begun their peaceful demonstration near the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in about ten trucks and opened fire without provocation.
“There was no provocation on our part. It was an orderly and peaceful protest. Suddenly, they started shooting tear gas and some live bullets. Thankfully, no one was hit,” he said.
Sowore also confirmed that several protesters were arrested during the incident, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, who he alleged were beaten before being taken to the FCT Police Command. He claimed the operation was carried out by a combined team of police officers, soldiers, and civil defence personnel.
The rally, which called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), defied a Federal High Court order restricting demonstrations around key government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square.
Security operatives had earlier blocked major routes to the protest sites and sealed off Unity Fountain, the take-off point for the demonstration. Eyewitnesses also reported tear gas being fired near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako.
Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has been in detention since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. His legal team and several Southeast leaders continue to demand his release, citing his deteriorating health and the need to ease regional tensions.
The protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which marked renewed calls for justice and police reform across Nigeria.
