Human-rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has levelled serious allegations against Nigerian security forces, saying they used live bullets to disperse peaceful demonstrators during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja. The protest was organised to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

Sowore told reporters that the event began peacefully in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and other gathering points in the Federal Capital Territory, but turned chaotic when a large contingent of security operatives suddenly arrived. “Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us… tear gas, and even some live bullets,” he said, adding that no provocation had occurred on the part of protesters. 

According to media reports, videos circulating online captured crowds fleeing in thick smoke and hearing what appeared to be gunshots, with protesters and by-standers fleeing the scenes near major roads and government axis. Some said they felt the explosion-type sounds may have been tear-gas canisters; others claimed it was live rounds. 

In response, the Nigeria Police Force publicly denied any use of live ammunition. Spokesperson ACP Benjamin Hundeyin asserted on Channels Television that no live rounds were fired, stating that the sounds people heard were tear-gas canisters and other crowd-control devices. “Not a single live ammunition,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the protest also saw arrests. Sowore claimed that Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and Kanu’s brother were among those detained by security forces during the march. He described the arrest and the alleged violence as part of what he called a “gross violation of fundamental rights.” 

Because of the conflicting accounts — Sowore’s claims vs the police denial — the exact sequence of events remains under scrutiny. Legal and human-rights observers have called for independent investigations to determine whether force used was lawful, proportionate and in line with Nigeria’s constitutional protections for peaceful assembly.