Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has accused Nigerian security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful demonstrators during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.
Speaking on the Monday edition of The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore said security forces — including police, army, and civil defence personnel — opened fire shortly after the rally began in front of Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
According to him, several protesters were arrested during the incident, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, both of whom were allegedly beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.
“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,” Sowore said.
“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.”
Despite the chaos, Sowore confirmed that no member of his team sustained gunshot injuries. He also condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention, calling it “a sham designed to obstruct justice,” and urged the Federal Government to present its evidence in court.
The security crackdown came despite warnings from the police and an interim injunction issued by Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Police Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Security forces had cordoned off key routes and sealed off Unity Fountain — the planned take-off point for the rally. Heavily armed personnel also patrolled Eagle Square and the Three Arms Zone, preventing both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Meanwhile, another team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a separate crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako. Eyewitnesses said the group was not part of the protest but dispersed quickly as security agents moved in.
Sowore has since rejected the legitimacy of the injunction, arguing that no similar restrictions were placed on groups opposing Kanu’s release. He revealed that over 100 lawyers were ready to challenge the order in court.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since his re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria in 2021. He faces terrorism charges after the Federal High Court recently dismissed his no-case submission. His legal team has raised concerns over his deteriorating health.
The protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, during which Nigerians commemorated victims of police brutality and called for justice and reform.
Southeast leaders and civil society groups have continued to call for Kanu’s release as part of broader efforts to ease regional tensions and advance national dialogue.
