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Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked assault on peaceful demonstrators during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.
Sowore alleged that security forces opened fire shortly after the protest began in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
He claimed that several demonstrators, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, were arrested and beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.
“Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer were both beaten and taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore said.
He explained that about 10 security trucks arrived as soon as the protest began. “
There was no provocation on our part; it was peaceful and orderly. Suddenly, they started shooting at us — tear gas and even some live bullets. Fortunately, no one was hit,” he added.
Sowore alleged that a combined team of police officers, soldiers, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation. He confirmed that none of his team members sustained gunshot injuries.
Earlier, Sowore had criticised Kanu’s prolonged detention, describing it as “a sham designed to obstruct justice,” and urged the Nigerian government to present its evidence in court.
Security operatives had used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters demanding Kanu’s release, who chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” before being forced to flee.
Police had arrived at the protest sites early, stationing officers along major routes to the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone. All access roads to the Federal Secretariat were barricaded, and Unity Fountain — the main protest venue — was sealed off.
Elsewhere in Abuja, soldiers and police fired tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a crowd that witnesses said was not part of the demonstration.
The protest went ahead despite an interim injunction by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, which restricted demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, the Police Headquarters, and other key government sites.
Police had warned groups to obey the order or face arrest, stating that digital evidence would be used to trace incitement online.
Sowore dismissed claims of a valid injunction and questioned why no similar order was issued against groups opposing Kanu’s release, adding that over 100 lawyers were prepared to challenge the order once served.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges. After fleeing during his trial, he was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria.
The Federal High Court recently dismissed his no-case submission, allowing terrorism charges against him to proceed. His lawyers have since raised concerns about his worsening health and requested his transfer to the National Hospital in Abuja.
Southeast governors and regional groups continue to urge the Nigerian government to release Kanu to ease growing tensions in the region.
The rally also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a nationwide protest against police brutality, during which many Nigerians continue to commemorate those killed at the Lekki Toll Gate in 2020.
