Dare Babalola
Security forces in Abuja have dispersed a group of protesters gathered to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), using teargas and gunshots.
In a live session on the Facebook account of rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, NEWSTELLER observed that the protesters, including the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and Aloy Ejimakor, the special counsel to Kanu, scampered for safety following the gunshots.
Earlier, the demonstrators chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now” as security operatives patrolled the venue.
Things, however, took a new turn when the protesters observed that the security operatives were about to teargas them, leading Sowore to warn them saying, “Don’t teargas us, we are peaceful protesters”.
Despite the charge, the video showed that the security officials consisting of the police, military and other units, released teargas to disperse the demonstrators.
While running to safety, Omoyele Sowore told the demonstrators, “Let us go to Berger”, before the video ended abruptly.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge on terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the federal government has yet to comply, a situation that continues to stir public outrage and renewed agitation.
