By Mariyah Adamu, Abuja
Police officers on Monday dispersed protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the
Protesters demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leaders Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday scampered for safety in Abuja, metropolis as polices operatives fired live bullets and tear gas canisters.
The protesters, who encountered stiff police resistance fled from Maitama area of the city and regrouped at Utako chanting pro-Kanu slogans.
The police operatives had fired multiple rounds of tear gas at protesters and passersby near the Transcorp Hilton and adjoining streets in Maitama District.
The #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protesters made up of civil rights activists and members of pro-democracy groups were once again dispersed by the police.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the demonstration was aimed at the Federal Government with realising the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted the IPOB leader.
Ahead of the protest security was tightened across the Federal Capital Territory, with soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services stationed at strategic locations including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone.
Leader of the protesters and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters.
Sowore, confirmed that some individuals were arrested during the incident, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, who were allegedly beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.
According to him, “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.
“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.
“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, and some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us”, he said.
Ahead of the protest heavy security presence was noticed around the Presidential Villa and major routes across Abuja metropolis.
