The Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded an investigation into the alleged shooting of former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore.
He was reportedly shot by police at the Unity Fountain, Abuja on Monday.
A female police officer on guard duty was said to have shot at a crowd that attempted to gain entrance into the facility, hitting the journalist in the process.
An associate, Deji Adeyanju confirmed the incident and said that Sowore has been rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
The FCT Police Command has yet to confirm the shooting.
SERAP said, “We condemn reports that Omoyele Sowore, a journalist, and activist, was shot at by the police in Abuja this morning during peaceful protest at the Unity Fountain. Authorities should end the crackdown on protesters, and allow people to peacefully exercise their rights.
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“Nigerian authorities should promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the allegation of shooting of Sowore and crackdown on protesters, publish the report of their investigation, and ensure that anyone suspected to be responsible is brought to justice.
“Nigerian authorities should immediately take concrete steps to reverse the longstanding impunity for these kinds of violations and misconduct by law enforcement agencies. Victims and their families deserve nothing less.”
The rights group noted that the Guidelines on Policing Assemblies in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, provides that “firearms must never be used to disperse an assembly. Intentional use of lethal force is prohibited unless it is strictly unavoidable to protect life.”
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