A media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to reports that Friday's protests against the notorious Sars police unit have been violently put down.
"Police that should be handing out face masks and bottled water to peaceful protesters... The response to police brutality is not further police brutality," Tolu Ogunlesi said in a tweet.
Olu Onemola, a community organiser who previously worked as an aide in Nigeria's senate, says he and his cousin were arrested by police on their way to joining the protest in the capital, Abuja.
The pair were "pushed into the back of a pickup" before later giving a statement and being released, he adds.
Others say tear gas and gunfire have been used to force peaceful protesters away - though the footage and photos posted on social media cannot be independently verified by the BBC:
They shot at us and threw teargas #Abuja #AbujaTwitterCommunity #AbujaProtests pic.twitter.com/mHeRURAwxQ
— /Raei/ 🕊🦍 (@baaleofabuja) October 9, 2020
Latest Stories
-
SHS heads demand payment of outstanding funds before reopening of schools
26 minutes -
We thank God for the 2024 general elections – Akufo-Addo
40 minutes -
Coconut Grove Beach Resort marks 30 years of excellence with memorable 9 lessons & carols service
52 minutes -
WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup: Black Maidens beat Nigeria on penalties to win inaugral tournament
2 hours -
Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep pressure on leaders Atletico
3 hours -
Liverpool put six past Spurs to go four points clear
3 hours -
Manchester United lose 3-0 at home to Bournemouth yet again
3 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: ‘It’s still an open game’ – Didi on Ghana’s draw with Nigeria
3 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
4 hours -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
4 hours -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
5 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
6 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
6 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
7 hours -
Kwame Boafo Akuffo: Court ruling on re-collation flawed
7 hours