From Victor Osula, Abuja
Human Rights organisation, Amnesty International, has condemned the lethal use of force by Nigerian security forces on peaceful protesters demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu from the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest is the culmination of weeks of public demands for the release of Kanu,
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government. He has been in the detention facility of the DSS since June 27, 2021, when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
A joint detachment of defence and security operatives on Monday, forcefully dispersed the Omoyele Sowore-led #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters and journalists in Abuja with tear gas.
Journalists covering the demonstrations had their cameras seized, while several others were detained, including Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu and Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s principal legal representatives.
Expressing deep concern over the development, Amnesty International condemned what it described as “atrocities” committed by security operatives against protesters, lawyers, and journalists.
Demanding the release of the arrested protesters and journalists, the global rights organisation, said in a post on X, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the lethal use of force during today’s peaceful protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Protesters, lawyers and journalists were subjected to atrocities that include arrests, beatings, confiscation of cameras, as well as dangerous and reckless use of tear gas.
“Once again, the Nigerian authorities have failed to respect and uphold people’s right to freedom of assembly. All incidents must be investigated impartially and the suspected perpetrators brought to justice through fair trials.”
