Chaos in Abuja: Sowore Alleges Live Bullets Fired as Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer Beaten and Arrested

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of opening fire on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally in Abuja, claiming that live bullets were discharged and several participants—including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and lawyer—were allegedly beaten and arrested.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore described the scene as “terrifying,” saying that the protest, which began peacefully in front of Transcorp Hilton, quickly turned violent after the arrival of multiple security trucks.

“There were about ten trucks that arrived as soon as we started. There was no provocation on our part. Suddenly, they started shooting—teargas and even live bullets,” he alleged.

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“I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten. His lawyer too. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command.”

 Heavy Security Clampdown

Eyewitnesses confirmed that a joint team of police, army, and civil defence officers was deployed across key parts of the city, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.

All major routes to the Federal Secretariat and Presidential Villa were barricaded, leaving motorists stranded and preventing protesters from assembling.

At the Unity Fountain, where the protest was initially scheduled to kick off, heavily armed officers fired teargas canisters and live rounds to disperse the crowd. Some witnesses claimed that even bystanders and journalists were affected by the chaos.

Elsewhere, another team reportedly fired teargas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako, forcing nearby residents and workers to flee the area.

 Legal Tensions and Government Response

The demonstration defied an interim injunction issued by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, restricting protests near key government buildings, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and the Police Headquarters.

Police authorities had warned organizers to obey the order or risk arrest, insisting they had digital evidence to track any acts of “incitement” on social media.

However, Sowore rejected the injunction, describing it as a ploy to silence dissent, and revealed that over 100 lawyers were ready to challenge it in court.

“There’s no valid injunction stopping citizens from demanding justice,” Sowore said. “If such exists, let them serve it. We will challenge it immediately.”

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 Background: The Kanu Saga

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 on treason charges before fleeing the country during trial. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances.

Although a Court of Appeal ordered his release, the Federal Government continues to detain him, citing national security concerns. Recently, the Federal High Court dismissed his no-case submission, paving the way for the continuation of his terrorism trial.

Kanu’s legal team has since raised alarms over his deteriorating health, urging authorities to transfer him to the National Hospital, Abuja for medical care.

 Broader Implications

The protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, a symbolic date for young Nigerians advocating justice and police reform.

Observers say the renewed tension around Kanu’s detention underscores Nigeria’s growing struggle to balance national security, citizens’ rights, and freedom of expression.