FreeNnamdiKanuNow: ‘They Fired At Us, Beat Kanu’s Brother And Lawyer’ — Sowore Raises Alarm

• Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of firing tear gas and live rounds at peaceful #FreeNnamdiKanu protesters in Abuja, describing the attack as “unprovoked and brutal.”

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Sowore, who spoke on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, alleged that security forces opened fire shortly after the protest began at the front of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

He confirmed that several individuals were arrested during the chaos, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, who were allegedly beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.

“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,” Sowore said.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part. It was an orderly and peaceful protest. Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us — tear gas, some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit.”

Sowore claimed that a joint team of the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, and Civil Defence Corps carried out the operation. He stressed that despite the aggression, no protester was injured by live rounds.

Earlier, Sowore had condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), calling it “a sham designed to obstruct justice” and urging the Federal Government to present its case before the court.

Tear Gas, Arrests as Security Operatives Disperse Protesters

Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse demonstrators demanding Kanu’s release. The protest, led by Sowore, defied a court order and police warning.

Protesters gathered at the Unity Fountain, chanting, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” before being forced to flee.

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Heavy security presence was recorded at Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone, with access roads barricaded and movement restricted.

Elsewhere, soldiers and police fired tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako, causing panic even among non-protesting residents.

The protest also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a nationwide campaign against police brutality remembered for the Lekki Toll Gate incident in 2020.

Background

Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria. A recent ruling by the Federal High Court dismissed his no-case submission, paving the way for trial on terrorism charges.

His lawyers have raised concerns over his deteriorating health and demanded his transfer to the National Hospital Abuja. Meanwhile, Southeast governors and civic groups continue to urge his release to ease regional tensions.