The Federal Capital Territory Police (FCT) command has dismissed claims that one of its officers shot a teargas canister at Omoyele Sowore on Monday, May 31.
Sowore had claimed that he was injured by a tear gas canister during a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
He disclosed the incident on his Twitter handle, saying he is not afraid of losing his life in the struggle. Sowore said: ”Just been shit by a police officer, ACP Atine at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. #RevolutionNow Let the struggle continue even if they take my life! #BuhariMustGo”
However, the FCT police command discredited Sowore’s account. The command stated that officers deployed to disperse the protesters professionally restored calm at the protest venue.
The spokesperson for the command, Mariam Yusuf, said the police prevented Sowore and other protesters from breaking the law.
He said: “Contrary to the speculation, police operatives professionally restored calm at the Unity Fountain following attempts by a group of protesters to incite a public disturbance.
“The protesters, who went on the rampage, were resisted by police operatives in order to prevent them from causing a breakdown of the law and order. There is no record of such an incident as of the time of this release.
“The command enjoins residents to remain calm and law-abiding while reaffirming its commitment towards the protection of lives and property within the FCT.”
