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

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore alleged that security forces opened fire shortly after the demonstration began in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

According to him, several individuals were arrested, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, both of whom were allegedly beaten before being taken to the FCT Police 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.

He further described the situation as chaotic, claiming that about ten security trucks arrived at the protest site just as it began.

“There was no provocation on our part. It was an orderly and peaceful protest. Suddenly, they started shooting at us — tear gas and even live bullets were fired. Luckily, nobody was hit,” he added.

Sowore alleged that a combined team of the police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation.

Despite the heavy-handed response, he confirmed that live rounds injured no member of his protest team.

Heavy Security Presence Across Abuja

Earlier in the day, security operatives had taken positions around major routes leading to the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone.

Our correspondent observed that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and Three Arms Zone were barricaded. The Unity Fountain, the initial gathering point for protesters, was sealed off, with motorists and pedestrians denied entry.

Elsewhere in the city, a joint team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako. Witnesses said the crowd was not part of the protest but quickly dispersed as security personnel moved in.

Protest Defies Court Order

The protest defied an interim injunction by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, which restricted demonstrations around sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square.

Police had earlier warned that any group violating the order would face arrest and that digital evidence would be used to track social media incitement.

Sowore, however, dismissed the validity of the order, arguing that it unfairly targeted pro-Kanu groups while sparing others. He said that over 100 lawyers were ready to challenge the injunction once it was formally served.

Background: The Nnamdi Kanu Case

Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances.

Recently, the Federal High Court dismissed his no-case submission, paving the way for his trial on terrorism charges to continue.

His lawyers have since raised concerns over his deteriorating health and requested that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja.

Several South-East leaders and civil society groups continue to advocate for his release as a step toward easing regional tensions.

Echoes of #EndSARS

Monday’s protest also coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which called for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.

Many Nigerians marked the date in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Lekki Toll Gate shootings in October 2020.