Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening f+re and releasing t+ar gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked att+ck.
“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,” he said.
“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live b¥llets, but they were just sh++ting all around us.
Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and b+aten, and his lawyer was also arrested and b+aten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.
He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was h+t by live rounds.
The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.
Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces f+ring tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.
Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on t+rr@rism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”
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