Nigerian’s controversial human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Nigerian security operatives launched an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during a demonstration in Abuja. Speaking on Monday, October 20,2025 during the morning brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that security forces opened fire on the protesters shortly after the demonstration began in front of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
According to Sowore, the security forces used tear gas and live bullets, creating a chaotic scene at the protest ground. He alleged that several individuals were arrested, including the younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and his lawyer. Sowore claimed that both individuals were beaten before being taken to the FCT Police Command.
“It was an orderly and peaceful protest,” Sowore said. “Suddenly, they started shooting at us – tear gas and even live bullets were fired. Luckily, nobody was hit.”
Sowore further alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defense personnel carried out the operation. Despite the heavy-handed response, he confirmed that no member of his protest team was hit by live rounds.
Sowore Rejects Court Order as Security Tightens Around Abuja Protest
Earlier in the day, security operatives had taken positions around major routes leading to the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone.
It was reported that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and Three Arms Zone were barricaded. The Unity Fountain, the initial gathering point for protesters, was sealed off, with motorists and pedestrians denied entry.
It was further reported by Beady’s word productions online publication on Monday that In another incident, a joint team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a crowd near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Utako. Witnesses said the crowd was not part of the protest but quickly dispersed as security personnel moved in.
The protest defied an interim injunction by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, which restricted demonstrations around sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. The police had earlier warned that any group violating the order would face arrest and that digital evidence would be used to track social media incitement.
However, Sowore dismissed the validity of the order, at pro-Kanu groups while sparing others. He said that over 100 lawyers were ready to challenge the injunction once it was formally served.
Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of IPOB, was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under controversial circumstances. Recently, the Federal High Court dismissed his no-case submission, paving the way for his trial on terrorism charges to continue.
His lawyers have since raised concerns over his deteriorating health and requested that he be transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja.
However, Several South-East leaders and civil society groups continue to advocate for his release as a step toward easing regional tensions.
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