By Faith Chondol
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of firing live bullets and tear gas at peaceful demonstrators during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
Sowore who led the protest described the incident as an “unprovoked attack” by a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel. He made the allegation while addressing Press Men.
According to him, the security forces opened fire shortly after protesters gathered in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“There was no provocation on our part. It was an orderly and peaceful protest as we had promised,” Sowore said. “Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us — tear gas and even some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit, but they were just shooting all around us.”
Sowore confirmed that several individuals were arrested during the protest, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, both of whom, he claimed, were beaten before being taken to the FCT Police Command.
“They arrested some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer were both beaten and detained,” he added.
Heavy Security Presence in the Capital
Earlier in the day, security operatives had been deployed across strategic locations in the city. Journalist observed a heavy presence of police officers and soldiers around Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone, with roadblocks mounted along major access routes leading to the Presidential Villa and the Federal Secretariat.
Unity Fountain — the designated take-off point for the demonstration — was sealed off, preventing both motorists and pedestrians from gaining entry. Elsewhere in the city, tear gas was fired to disperse crowds near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in the Utako area. Witnesses said those affected were not part of the protest but fled as security operatives advanced.
Court Injunction and Police Warning
The demonstration defied an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, restricting protests around sensitive areas, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, the Police Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
Police authorities had earlier warned groups against violating the order, cautioning that anyone involved in incitement — either physically or on social media — would face arrest.
However, Sowore dismissed the claim of a valid injunction, describing it as selective enforcement.
“No one has shown us any injunction stopping protests,” he said. “Why are there no similar orders against groups opposing Kanu’s release? Over 100 lawyers are ready to challenge it once it is properly served.”
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. He is facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Earlier this month, the court dismissed his no-case submission, paving the way for his trial to continue. His legal team has since raised concerns about his deteriorating health and asked that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for treatment.
Political and community leaders from the South-East have repeatedly called for Kanu’s release, arguing that it would help ease rising regional tension.
Fifth Anniversary of #EndSARS
Monday’s protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a nationwide youth-led demonstration that began in 2020 to demand police reform and justice for victims of brutality. Many Nigerians continue to mark the anniversary in remembrance of those killed during the Lekki Toll Gate incident in Lagos.
No Casualties Reported
As of press time, no casualties have been confirmed from the Abuja protest. Sowore maintained that despite the use of live rounds and tear gas, none of the protesters in his group was hit by bullets.
Security authorities are yet to officially comment on the allegations.
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