Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of firing live bullets at peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.
Sowore made the allegation on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, where he described the incident as an unprovoked assault on Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights.
He said the protest, which took place in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, was peaceful until security forces arrived and began shooting.
According to Sowore: “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 and some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.”
Sowore confirmed that several individuals were arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, who were allegedly beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.
He added: “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.”
Eyewitnesses said at least 10 police trucks arrived at the protest ground minutes after the rally began, dispersing demonstrators with tear gas and gunfire.
The rally was organised by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and rights activists demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
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