“They Fired Live Bullets at Us; Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother Was Beaten and Arrested”—Sowore Alleges Security Attack on Protesters in Abuja

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of firing live ammunition and tear gas at peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja, alleging that Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer were beaten and arrested.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore described the incident as an unprovoked attack that began shortly after the protest kicked off in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. “There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part—it was orderly and peaceful,” he said. “Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit.”

Sowore said security forces arrested several protesters, including Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, who were allegedly assaulted before being taken to the FCT Police Command. “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,” he added. According to him, a joint team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation.

Security operatives were reported to have fired live rounds and tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding Kanu’s release at several locations across Abuja, including the Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone. The rally, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction and police warnings restricting protests around key government institutions. Protesters were heard chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” and “It’s our constitutional right to protest” before security personnel advanced, forcing them to flee. Access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were blocked, while the Unity Fountain, the designated take-off point, was sealed off.

Elsewhere in the city, a combined team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a gathering near the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Utako. Witnesses said the group was not part of the rally but dispersed quickly as security operatives moved in.

The protest defied an interim order by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court restricting demonstrations near the Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, and adjoining areas. Police had earlier warned that digital evidence would be used to prosecute those who violated the order. Sowore, however, dismissed the injunction’s validity, questioning why similar restrictions were not placed on groups opposing Kanu’s release. He also revealed that more than 100 lawyers were prepared to challenge the order once officially served.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges, later granted bail, and fled the country during his trial. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. His ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges continues amid growing concerns about his deteriorating health. His lawyers have requested that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for proper medical care.

Several Southeast governors and civil society groups have continued to call for Kanu’s release, describing it as a step toward easing regional tensions. Monday’s rally also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which called for an end to police brutality. Many Nigerians marked the day in remembrance of those killed during the Lekki Toll Gate shootings in 2020.