The Nigeria Police Force has defended its request for details from organisers of the planned nationwide protests, explaining that the move is driven by security concerns.
On Friday, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun directed protest organisers to provide their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states. This request has been met with resistance from the protest organisers, who accuse the IG of attempting to alter constitutional rights.
Deji Adeyanju, one of the organisers, argued that the IG’s request has no constitutional basis.
He said, “When the constitution was conferring the right to protest on the citizens, did the constitution give conditions for protests? Is the IG trying to rewrite the constitution? Is he trying to donate rights to the citizens or what? He has no such powers. The constitution and other laws of the land do not give the IG the power to dictate how citizens should protest.”
In response, Police Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a statement on Sunday, asserting that the request is a routine procedure intended to ensure effective communication, safeguard participants, and prevent unlawful activities.
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Adejobi stated, “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.”
He emphasized the importance of knowing who is planning the protests in each state to avoid potential threats to peace and stability.
Adejobi noted, “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.”
He clarified that the IG’s request for protest details is a standard procedure meant to facilitate communication and maintain public safety.
Adejobi further affirmed that the IG “has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression,” but stressed that the police are responsible for ensuring that protests do not threaten national security.
Adejobi added, “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.”
He urged the activist and other organisers “not to mislead Nigerians” and called for collaborative efforts to ensure national security and public well-being.
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