The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its officers fired live ammunition during Monday(October 20,2025)’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.

Reacting to reports that the police used live bullets during the disruption, Spokesperson, Force Headquarters, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the noise mistaken for gunshots came from tear gas canisters used to control the crowd after protesters ignored repeated warnings.

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