Protest Planners Must Provide Leaders’ Details, IGP Insists

Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has demised the accusations that it is trying to rewrite the constitution by requesting for the details of the leaders of all protesting groups, stating that it is within their job description to do so.

Reacting to accusations made by activist, Deji Adeyanju and others, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests, the Nigeria Police said requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.

The police also said It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country.
Part of the statement by the Police High Command spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.

It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression but has rather, at every point, emphasised that the right is to peaceful assembly and expression. Also, the Nigeria Police is responsible for ensuring that any activity, including protests, does not threaten national security.

“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests, including location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities. It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or to protect the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.”

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The statement further added that “it is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests. If organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.

“While the police urge Mr. Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands and work together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation.”

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command yesterday warned that any individual or group caught engaging in acts of violence, looting, arson, or any other criminal activities during the planned August 1, 2024 protest will face the full wrath of the law.

The command said it has deployed adequate personnel and resources to monitor the protest closely, while the surveillance units have been equipped to identify and apprehend troublemakers swiftly.

“Anyone found instigating violence or attempting to disrupt the peace will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation”, the police warned

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police command advised people with malicious intent to stay away from the state during the peaceful protest slated for August 1, 2024.

It, however, advised residents against participating in the planned protest.

The statement added, ” The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Victor Olaiya wishes to address the public regarding the impending protest and important guidance to our esteemed citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional rights to a peaceful protest, as well as issue a stern warning to individuals with malicious intent.

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to discourage citizens from participating in the protest and remind all persons that if a peaceful protest should take place, any attempt by miscreants to hijack it for their own selfish ends will not be tolerated.

“Our commitment to ensuring public safety and order remains unwavering. Any individual or group caught engaging in acts of violence, looting, arson, or any other criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law. The police have deployed adequate personnel and resources to monitor the protest closely, and our surveillance units are equipped to identify and apprehend troublemakers swiftly. Anyone found instigating violence or attempting to disrupt the peace will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation.

“The Kwara State Police Command is dedicated to supporting the constitutional rights of all citizens while maintaining peace and security in our state. We urge community leaders and local vigilantes to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order. We call on all persons to conduct themselves with dignity and responsibility to ensure that the society remains peaceful and constructive.”