Omoyele Sowore
Trending Story

Free Sowore protesters: Lethal weapons, pepper spray used to disperse Abuja sit-in

771

 

 

Scores of Free-Omoyele Sowore-protesters, who had massed near the precincts of the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters office in Abuja on Tuesday were dispersed by operatives firing gunshots and spraying pepper.

 

The placarding participants in the sit-in who had conducted themselves peacefully were shocked when armed operatives swooped on them and sent them packing just at the verge of ending the protest.

 

According to a participant, truck loads of operatives with some of them masking, had arrived at the scene and gave the porters a chase.

 

“Some of the operatives brought out pistols and shot severally into the air to disperse the protesters.

 

“Another operative used pepper spray to force those who were seated to flee,’’ the source said, adding “many left their shoes and personal belongings.’’

 

Addressing reporters, Mr Deji Adeyanju, said the peaceful protest was aimed at registering their dismay at the refusal of the DSS to comply with court order granting Sowore bail which he had met.

 

His lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, said he was alarmed by the action of the DSS and had indicated to approach the court and institute a contempt charge against them.

 

Two Federal High Courts in Abuja had granted Sowore and his co-defendant, Bakare, bails and a variation of the bails which they had since fulfilled.

 

Sowore was arrested in Lagos early August and taken to custody in Abuja by the DSS over #RevolutionNow protest.

 

Meanwhile, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned “violent attacks on peaceful protesters demanding the release of Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare as ordered by the court.”

In a statement today by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “We have seen a video footage apparently showing the use of lethal and excessive force by Nigerian security agents against peaceful protesters demanding the release of Sowore and Bakare as ordered by the court. We condemn the ruthless violence and shocking abuses against protesters.”

The statement read in part: “@UNHumanRights @UN_SPExperts @davidakaye should urgently respond to the rule of law and human rights crisis in Nigeria and call on the authorities to end this brutality. It is high time to ramp up monitoring on the situation in Nigeria and to send investigators to the country at once.”

“The use of lethal and excessive force violates the very core of Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations. This should end immediately, and those responsible should be held to account.”

“Nigerian authorities should immediately obey ALL court orders and specifically the court order for the release of Sowore and Bakare from arbitrary detention.”

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Tinubu, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Pastor Tunde Bakare at 70

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, is a...

Emirship crisis: Kano govt. allocates N99.9m for Nassarawa mini-palace renovation

In response to the court’s order reinstating him, the Kano State Government...

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves up by 5 percent to $33.58bln

Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have increased by five percent in the...

Billionaire philanthropist Tony Elumelu mulls buying NPFL team

As part of his corporate social responsibility, billionaire banker and philanthropist Tony...

Terry G speaks on Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy rivalries, faces backlash from fans

Nigerian music sensation Terry G, also known as the Apako master, has...

Dani Alves pays €1m bail, set to leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain,...

World TB Day: 70 percent of TB cases in Africa now being diagnosed and treated – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that about 70 percent of...

13th AAG: Tobi Amusan wins gold in women’s 100m hurdles

The Nigerian sprint star, Tobi Amusan, won gold in the women’s 100m...

FG approves N12.7bln for mass metering of army barracks nationwide

The Federal Government says it has released N12.7 billion to provide electricity...

Women’s Day: Tinubu felicitates women, vows to prioritise their welfare, rights

President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritize the welfare of women, protect...

All African Games: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles start their campaign on a losing note

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign in the men’s football...

EFCC sets up task force to combat dollarization of economy, mutilation of naira

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the setting up...

How Bafarawa diverted N4.6bln from ex-NSA for prayers, election, acquire luxury vehicles

A startling revelation has been made about how a former governor of...

CBN redeploys 1,500 staff to Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has redeployed 1,500 staff...

AFCON: Pres. Tinubu says unimpressed with Super Eagles’ performance

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his displeasure over the performance of the...

I’ve not met a man kind enough to marry —Ini Edo

In a candid revelation, renowned actress, Ini Edo, has hinted about the...

Ogun CP visits shot Nollywood actor, Ijaduade, vows to punish trigger-happy cop

Nollywood actor and Director, Azeez Ijaduade, who was shot “accidentally” by a...

Breaking: Actor, Azeez Ijaduade, allegedly shot by policeman in Ogun

In a shocking incident that has sent shock waves to Yoruba section...

Fast and furious actor, Vin Diesel, accused of sexual assault

Vin Diesel, known for his role in the Fast & Furious Series,...

Anyone asking for money this festive season lacks conscience, fear God – Comedian AY

Amid Nigeria’s challenging economic downturn, renowned comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as...