Tension flared in Abuja on Monday as security operatives allegedly dispersed peaceful demonstrators at the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, with reports of violence and arrests, including those of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his younger brother.
Former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed the incident while speaking on Channels Television, alleging that the protesters were attacked without provocation by armed security personnel.
According to Sowore, the demonstration, which began peacefully in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, was disrupted by a combined team of the police, army, and civil defence officers.
He narrated, “We started the protest peacefully at the Transcorp Hotel. I was explaining to the security operatives that we were not their enemies and that our protest was lawful. Suddenly, they began firing tear gas canisters and even live bullets in our direction.”
Sowore further disclosed that while no protester was struck by bullets, several participants sustained injuries during the chaos. He alleged that both Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother were physically assaulted before being taken into custody by the police.
“It was an unprovoked attack. I was told that Kanu’s brother and his lawyer were beaten and arrested before being moved to the FCT Command,” he added.
Eyewitnesses at the scene corroborated Sowore’s account, describing the confrontation as a “heavy-handed clampdown” on what was intended to be a peaceful rally calling for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
As of press time, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the whereabouts of those arrested.
