Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets of Abuja on Monday in response to a call by human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore to join the #FreeNnamdiKanu protests demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody for over four years and is currently facing multiple treason charges in Nigerian courts.
Ahead of the demonstration, Sowore urged the Nigerian Police to provide security for protesters and prevent hoodlums from hijacking the event. However, reports indicated that police officers fired teargas and gunshots to disperse protesters near restricted areas, including the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, and the Federal Secretariat.
Speaking to Channels Television, Sowore condemned the police response, saying, “The police used teargas and gunfire to disperse peaceful protesters. We will regroup and continue demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.”
He also alleged that some protesters, including Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, were beaten and taken away in police vans.
The protest took place despite a Federal High Court order in Abuja that had temporarily restrained organizers from demonstrating near major government institutions.
Although Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful protest, enforcement of this right has long been controversial. Over the years, security forces have frequently used teargas, arrests, and even lethal force to disperse demonstrators across the country.
Trump Threatens India of ‘Massive’ Tariffs Unless Russian Oil Imports End
Source:Africa Publicity
