The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its officers fired live ammunition during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, insisting that only tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators who defied a court order restricting their movement.

The protest, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore and joined by Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, began peacefully before security operatives intervened as the group marched towards Aso Villa.

Eyewitnesses said at least one person was injured, while several others including Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother and journalists from News Central TV were arrested.

According to him, the noise mistaken for gunshots came from tear gas canisters used to control the crowd after protesters ignored repeated warnings.

“No live ammunition was fired today. The tear gas used to disperse the protesters was in line with standard crowd control procedures,” Hundeyin said.

He added that officers acted under a valid court order prohibiting the group from approaching sensitive government areas.

However, protesters and witnesses insisted that the security operatives fired live rounds. Videos circulating on social media showed crowds running amid thick smoke and the sound of multiple explosions, sparking widespread criticism.

The demonstration coincided with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, which also began as a peaceful youth movement before turning violent in 2020.

Sowore, addressing reporters before his arrest, said the protest sought justice and the immediate release of Kanu, whom he described as a victim of prolonged political persecution.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga condemned the involvement of Kanu’s lawyer in the protest, arguing that it violated the decorum expected of a legal practitioner while a client’s case was before the court.

But human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong countered, saying no law prevents a lawyer from joining a peaceful demonstration.

Police said all those arrested would face charges and criticised the reported assault on journalists by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives deployed during the protest.

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in custody since 2021 following his arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria. He faces charges of treason and terrorism, which he denies.