Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
President Mahama kicks off Northern region tour to deepen citizen engagement
14 minutes -
FA Cup: Simpson reveals Nations FC’s Africa dream after Aduana victory
45 minutes -
Man found dead in bush near DZOSEC; Police launch investigation
1 hour -
‘Score one, I’ll die for the team’ – Simpson reveals conversation with Annor before Aduana victory
1 hour -
CFAO Mobility pledges “full cooperation” with DVLA following vehicle impoundment scandal
2 hours -
Ghana Swimming Association secures $25,000 boost for 2026 Programmes
2 hours -
Bright Simons writes: The social edge of intelligence
2 hours -
Nations FC channeled league frustrations into FA Cup success – Emmanuel Annor
2 hours -
From a mining town to the IMF: Discover economist Valeria Mensah’s journey
3 hours -
Otumfuo to unveil world’s first customised gold coin box with built-in screens
4 hours -
British man pleads guilty to conspiring to steal $8m in virtual currency
4 hours -
Joe Mettle defends AI use in gospel music
4 hours -
Sheikh Armiyawo calls for urgent social welfare revamp to protect abuse victims
4 hours -
Safe Homes, Strong Society: Familiar faces often behind child abuse cases – Health Advocate warns
5 hours -
Barcelona Summit: Veep advances talks on agro-deal with GB Foods
5 hours