#FreeNnamdiKanu: Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Live Rounds at Protesters

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that security forces launched an unprovoked attack on peaceful demonstrators during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Speaking during an interview on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, Sowore claimed that security operatives opened fire shortly after the rally began outside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the capital.

“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,” he said.

Sowore also confirmed that several individuals were arrested during the incident, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his legal counsel, both of whom he alleged were beaten before being taken into custody.

“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,” he stated.

He further alleged that security personnel used tear gas and fired live rounds at the protesters, although no injuries from live bullets were reported.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us—tear gas and some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit, but they were just shooting all around us.”

The protest was part of growing calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody since June 2021.