Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that its officers fired live bullets during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
The force said its personnel only used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who defied a court order restricting their movement.
The protest, organised by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, was joined by Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother, Prince Kanu.
The march began peacefully before security operatives intervened as the group moved towards Aso Villa.
Eyewitnesses said at least one person was injured, while several others, including Mr Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother and journalists from News Central TV were arrested.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Benjamin Hundeyin said the noise mistaken for gunfire came from tear gas canisters used to control the crowd after protesters ignored warnings.
“No live ammunition was fired today. The tear gas used to disperse the protesters was in line with standard crowd control procedures,” he said.
Mr Hundeyin added that officers acted under a valid court order prohibiting the group from approaching sensitive government areas.
However, protesters and witnesses maintained that live rounds were fired.
Videos circulating online showed crowds running amid thick smoke and loud sounds, prompting public criticism.
Addressing claims that police officers assaulted a journalist from News Central TV during the protest, Hundeyin said a review of available footage, including visuals aired by the station, showed that the reporter’s encounter did not involve police personnel.
“Earlier, in an interview on News Central, the interviewer mentioned that the police had brutalised one of their reporters. As promised, a review of the available footage, including visuals aired by the station itself, has confirmed that the reporter’s encounter did not involve police personnel, as initially alleged,” he said.
Hundeyin added that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, remains committed to professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law in all engagements.
He urged journalists to avoid disinformation and not cast aspersions on the integrity of the police.
The protest coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, which began in October 2020 as a youth-led movement against police brutality.
Before his arrest, Sowore told reporters that the protest was aimed at demanding justice and the release of Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga criticised Ejimakor’s participation, saying it was inappropriate for a lawyer whose client’s case was before the court.
But human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said no law bars a lawyer from joining a peaceful protest.
Police said all those arrested would face charges.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria.
He faces charges of treason and terrorism, which he denies.
