The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by social rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has taken off in Abuja despite the heavy security cordon in the city.
By 3am on Monday morning when FACTSHEET went round the city centre, combined security operatives had cordoned off the Central Business District (CBD), including the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly Gate, Supreme Court, the Eagle Square among other strategic public facilities.
The Federal Government has deployed several tactics including court action and use of security operatives to stop the protest, but both the organisers and Nigerians seem determined to proceed with the protest.
The leader of the protest, Omoyele Sowore was on hand as at 7am when the protest started and moved towards the Eagle Square.
However, Police swooped on the protesters with teargas and live bullets and subsequently arrested some of the protesters including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor and a younger brother to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Despite the arrests, the protest has continued in Abuja with many markets closed for fear of violence.
Confirming the arrest of some of the protesters, Sowore said, “This was a peaceful protest,” said Sowore. “No one was armed. Yet the police responded with violence and arbitrary arrests.”
Several major roads leading into the Abuja city centre have been jampacked with heavy traffic, while several offices remain closed.
