Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the violent response of security forces to the ingoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, reaffirming the peaceful intent of the protest.
Sowore who condemned the security agencies in a video, where he was seen addressing crowd of demonstrators reaffirmed the peaceful intent of the protest.
“You are aware that we are here today for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally. But we also must tell Nigerians that today is one of the darkest days in the history of Nigeria.
“It is not a tribal issue. It is not a religious issue. It is not a sentimental issue. It is a social justice issue for us. We are not here as Igbos, Yorubas, or Hausas”, he said.
It was gathered that the Nigerian police on Monday fired teargas at the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters and commuters around the Central Business District (CBD) in Abuja at about 8 a.m., dispersing the protesters.
The police it was also learnt, blocked access roads leading to several locations including the National Assembly, Federal Secretariat and the Eagles Square, forcing commuters to trek long distances to their destinations.
Sowore and other protesters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu were reported to have moved their #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally to Utako Market in Abuja after police operatives violently dispersed them with tear gas near Transcorp Hilton Hotel earlier on Monday.
The protesters regrouped at the popular market, Arab Junction in the Utako area of Abuja, following the police assault and clamp down, to continue their demonstration.
However, they were again said to have been attacked by a combined team of soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) near the Building Materials Plaza close to Jabi Park.
It was reported that the security operatives fired teargas directly at the crowd, causing pandemonium as people scampered for safety.
The police operatives reportedly arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu during the protest.
Confirming the arrests, Sowore, demanded their immediate release, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of brutality and illegal detention.
“The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders.
“They were beaten and taken to the FCT Command. The police must release them immediately”.
Ejimakor also confirmed his arrest in a post, stating, “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.”
Similarly, Kanunta Kanu, another of Nnamdi Kanu’s brothers, condemned the arrests, describing them as unlawful.
“They should be released immediately because it is their right to protest,” he said.
Earlier in the day, it was gathered that heavily armed police officers had fired multiple rounds of tear gas at protesters, dispersing participants that included clergymen, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens.
Witnesses said the chaos extended to nearby streets in Maitama, where passersby and commuters were also affected.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally, championed by Sowore and several pro-democracy movements, had been scheduled to take place across Abuja on Monday, October 20, with plans to march toward the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s unconditional release.
Among the demonstrators were pastors and members of civil society organisations who were chanting solidarity songs before security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse them.
