Gombe Commissioner Dies In Auto Crash.

The Gombe State Government has confirmed the death of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), in a car accident on Friday.

The incident occurred along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road as the retired officer was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he had attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the commissioner’s police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, also died in the crash, while his driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

Reacting to the news, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the late commissioner as a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his military expertise to the service of Gombe State.

“Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government, but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” Yahaya stated.

The governor highlighted Bello’s role in shaping security policies and fostering collaboration among agencies, noting that his efforts strengthened community safety and reinforced Gombe’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East.

Yahaya extended condolences to the families of the commissioner and the deceased police orderly, praying Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannat Firdaus.

“They died in active service to the state and the nation,” he said, while also wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery.

The state government said details of the commissioner’s funeral would be announced later.

Sowore Back in police Custody After Fresh Arrest at Federal High Court.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been rearrested by police operatives shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Sowore, who is the convener of the movement, had attended court proceedings relating to the protest held earlier in the week when officers reportedly moved in to detain him. According to eyewitnesses, the activist was accosted moments after stepping out of the courtroom, sparking mild tension within the court premises.

Police authorities later confirmed the arrest, alleging that Sowore violated a subsisting court order prohibiting the said protest. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was being held for leading the demonstration despite being aware of the restriction.

“He was arrested for violating a court order. Others arrested earlier in connection with the protest confirmed that he led them to the venue,” Hundeyin stated. The police said 14 other persons connected to the protest were also in custody and would soon be arraigned.

Sowore, who briefly attempted to resist arrest, was later taken away by armed operatives amid chants of solidarity from supporters present at the court. The development has drawn reactions from activists and civic groups who described the arrest as another attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day.

Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

Delta Police Arrest Officer Filmed Shooting at Civilian Vehicle in Asaba.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a police officer captured in a viral video shooting at a civilian vehicle in Asaba, the state capital.

The incident, which reportedly occurred near Toscana Hotel on Okpanam Road on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, showed the officer firing at the tire of a moving car during what appeared to be a routine traffic stop. Though no injuries were reported, the video sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the act as reckless and dangerous.

Reacting to the viral footage, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, said in a statement on Wednesday that the officer involved had been identified, summoned, and detained at the Command Headquarters in Asaba. He described the officer’s behavior as “unprofessional and unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.”

“The Command has reviewed the viral video showing a police officer firing at a moving vehicle in Asaba. The conduct was clearly unprofessional and unacceptable,” Bright said. “No officer is permitted to use a firearm without due justification as outlined in Force Order 237. Every policeman’s duty is to protect lives and property, not to endanger them.”

He noted that while preliminary information indicated the officer was reacting to a hit-and-run incident, such an act still did not justify the use of firearms under the law.

According to Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered a thorough investigation and immediate disciplinary action, assuring that appropriate sanctions will be taken in accordance with the Police Act and internal regulations.

The Delta Police Command further appealed to residents to remain calm, adding that the Force remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Pregnant Woman, Nine Others Killed as Cement-Laden Truck Crashes in Akungba, Ondo State.

Ten persons, including a pregnant woman, have been confirmed dead in a fatal auto crash at Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State.

Witnesses said the crash occurred when a truck carrying bags of cement lost control along the Owo–Akungba–Ikare Expressway and rammed into roadside shops, killing several people instantly.

A resident said, “The driver lost control and swerved into the shops. We can’t tell how many people are still trapped under the truck.”

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the accident, stating that the truck ran into a barricade near Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, before crashing. “No fewer than eight people died — five males, two females, and one male child,” he said.

Ibitoye advised motorists to always ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to obey traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union Government (SUG), Akinibobola Ajidagba, said the truck, allegedly belonging to the Dangote Group, suffered brake failure while descending from Ikare. It reportedly destroyed a permanent barricade at the university’s main gate before the crash.

“As it stands, close to ten people have lost their lives,” Ajidagba said, lamenting that repeated appeals to restrict heavy-duty trucks from plying Akungba roads had been ignored. “We remain resolute in this struggle. Students are urged to stay calm, maintain peace, and keep off the highway for now,” he added.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the government hospital morgue in Akungba. 

Police authorities have yet to officially comment, but an officer described the accident as “pathetic.”

56-year-old lawyer reportedly loses her life following a domestic violence incident with her husband, weeks after being called to the bar; police allegedly grants husband bail.

Barrister Felicia Temitope Odu, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2025 at the age of 56, has reportedly died following an alleged case of domestic abuse involving her husband.

According to reports shared by @toniabruisedbutnotbroken, the mother of three was allegedly beaten to death by her husband in the presence of one of their sons.
Relatives & neighbours claimed the violence had been ongoing for over 20 years, dating back to their courtship.

The late lawyer was said to be the breadwinner of the family, having built their home and sponsored her children’s education.

The husband was reportedly arrested two days ago but was later released on bail, sparking outrage among members of the public and the legal community.

She is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow, according to family sources.

BREAKING: Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja | Sahara Reporters

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer to remain in Prison as Police stall Bail Hearing.

The bail hearing for the lawyer to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel “Fineboy” Kanu, was on Wednesday stalled at the Kuje Magistrate Court following the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to appear or file a counter affidavit.

The matter, which came up before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, was expected to determine the bail request filed on behalf of the two men and another person arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja earlier this week.

However, proceedings could not go on as planned after the police failed to file their response to the bail motion or attend the session. It was gathered that Barrister Maxwell Opara, counsel to the defendants, approached the court registrar to inquire about the delay, only to be informed that the motion for bail was not listed for hearing.

Magistrate Sai’I’d, who had previously assured that the application would be given prompt attention once the police were properly served, stated that his hands were tied due to the procedural lapses caused by the police’s absence and failure to respond.

According to court sources, the police initially evaded service of the bail motion before eventually acknowledging receipt. The Magistrate had at the last sitting directed that the process be fast-tracked to ensure fairness to the accused persons, who have been in detention since their arrest.

Ejimakor, a well-known legal representative for Nnamdi Kanu, and Fineboy Kanu, were arrested alongside others during a peaceful protest in Abuja demanding the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was reportedly disrupted by security operatives, leading to several arrests.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest.

The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release.

But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT.

The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized.

While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads.

Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested.

In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

DSS Warns of Imminent ISWAP Attack in Ondo, Kogi States.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi states.

In a confidential memo to the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and signed by H. I. Kana on behalf of the State Director of Security, the DSS warned of “imminent attacks” and urged the Nigerian Army to intensify surveillance and security patrols across vulnerable areas.

Titled “Imminent attacks in Ondo State by Members of ISWAP,” the letter identified Eriti-Akoko and Oyin-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, as well as Owo town, as possible targets.

“Intelligence confirmed plans by members of ISWAP to carry out coordinated attacks on communities in Ondo and Kogi States anytime soon,” the DSS stated, adding that the terrorists had begun monitoring potential soft targets. 

The agency called for proactive measures and community vigilance to forestall any attacks.

Confirming the development, Ondo State Police spokesperson, Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police were already acting on the intelligence. “That’s partly why we were in Akoko on Sunday. Everyone is taking steps to ensure no event takes us unaware,” he said.

This alert comes three years after the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, which left 41 worshippers dead and dozens injured. 

The suspects, believed to be ISWAP members, were later arrested by the DSS and are currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bandits kidnap INEC staff in Kogi.

Unidentified gunmen on Tuesday abducted staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, along Aloma Road in Kogi State.

The victims, all female staff, were reportedly travelling from Abuja to Anambra State on an official assignment ahead of the forthcoming governorship election when the incident occurred.

The assailants were said to have blocked the highway, fired shots at the vehicle, and shattered its windscreen. None of the occupants of the vehicle was hit by the bullets.

The INEC officials were reportedly deployed to Anambra for the printing of the voters’ register and other election materials in preparation for the governorship poll scheduled for the first week of November.

The gunmen were said to have abducted all the occupants of the bus, including the driver and his wife.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison.

A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja.

Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.”

According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace.

The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation.

Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Court Remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother and Lead Counsel Over Abuja Protest.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu the younger brother of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

The development was made public by Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, who alleged via a post on X that the move was part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial scheduled for Thursday.

“The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” Kanunta Kanu posted.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others in connection with a protest held in Abuja on Monday.

Court documents shared by the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, revealed that the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace.

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly obstructed traffic flow, restricted citizens’ movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: APC Came To Power Through Protests, Now Scared Of Protests – Wabara Fumes.

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja.

Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Wabara condemned the action of some security operatives who fired teargas canisters at peaceful protesters.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security operatives to order, describing the intimidation and arrest of peaceful protesters as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.”

The elder statesman also frowned at the alleged manhandling of a journalist covering the protest whose camera was reportedly broken by some overzealous security operatives.

According to the former Senate President, the arrest of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; among others, will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the South East.

Senator Wabara who argued that “it is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protest”, said the police are required to provide protection for protesters, and not to clamp down on them.

Citing the ongoing ‘No King Protest’ involving about 7 million people in the United States of America, “where there are no incidents of molestation or brutality”, Senator Wabara challenged the Nigeria security operatives to learn from their US counterparts.

The former Senate President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-led, federal government which he said, “is a product of protests”, of using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.

Borno Girl Reportedly Ends It All After Being Forced Into Marriage by Her Father.

Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening as a young woman allegedly took her own life after being compelled by her father to marry one of his friends.

The heartbreaking incident was made public by prominent counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the details on Monday through his verified social media handle.

According to Makama, the woman whose identity has not yet been revealed ended her life shortly after the forced marriage arrangement was finalized. “Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening, when a young woman reportedly took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends,” he stated.

Citing local sources, Makama revealed that the incident occurred around 6:20 p.m. after the victim, said to be in deep emotional distress, succumbed to the overwhelming pressure from her family to go through with the arranged marriage.

A child protection advocate, Bukar Fantami Gubio, who also confirmed the incident, described it as “heart-wrenching” and called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.

“The emotional pain and pressure she went through as a result of this forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life. It is truly a sad situation that calls for urgent action,” Gubio said.

He appealed to human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice is served.

According to him, the case highlights the urgent need to protect the rights and dignity of young women in Nigeria, particularly in communities where forced marriages persist.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the importance of respecting women’s freedom of choice in marriage decisions,” he added.

Efforts by journalists to obtain an official comment from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, did not respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.

Police Deny Shooting Sowore, Others During Protest In Abuja.

The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired.

He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound.

Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations.

“I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition.

“It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot.

“We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said.

The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“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,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

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,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”