Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas and gunshots to disperse protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Activist Omoyele Sowore led the march despite a court order and police warning. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before the police shots eventually dispersed them.
Some shouted, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they fled the scene. The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest began near Transcorp Hilton and other areas in the Federal Capital Territory.
Police arrived early and fired tear gas to disperse protesters and onlookers. Operatives were positioned along major routes to Aso Rock, with heavy security at Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.
Our correspondent reports that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were barricaded.
Security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain, the protest take-off point, and denied access to motorists and pedestrians. Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving both Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible.
A combined team of soldiers and police officers has fired tear gas at a crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in the Utako area of Abuja. The crowd, which was not part of the protest, dispersed quickly as security operatives moved in.
‘Unprovoked Attack’
Sowore, who spoke on Monday’s edition of The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, said the organisers had informed the police about the protest in advance.
The activist alleged that some protesters “were arrested and bystanders were forced into police vehicles.”
Sowore also recounted the incident, saying, “There were about 10 trucks that arrived at the same time we began the protest. There was no provocation on our part. As we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest. It was an unprovoked attack from the police and a combined team of security operatives.
“We had just started the protest in front of the Transcorp Hotel when a huge contingent of police, army and civil defence officers showed up. We told them we were not their enemies and that the protest was not against them.
“But suddenly, from nowhere, they began shooting at us,tear gas and even some live bullets. Luckily, I don’t think anyone was hit by live ammunition, but they were shooting all around us.
“Eventually, they arrested some people. I heard that Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and so was his lawyer. They have been taken to the FCT Command,” the activist said.
Sowore, however, confirmed that no member of his protest team was injured by live bullets.
He also faulted Kanu’s prolonged detention and urged the Federal Government to “present its evidence before the court,” further describing the entire process as a “deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.”