Three #EndBadGovernance protesters have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for stealing, News About Nigeria reports.
Their arrest was made public by the State Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday.
Giving details, Disu disclosed that the three suspects were arrested for stealing point-of-sale machines and vehicle wipers under the guise of protesting against hunger and bad governance.
The Police Commissioner further noted that the organisers of the protest have lost control as hoodlums have now taken over, seeing the demonstration as an opportunity to steal and also perpetrate other evils.
He said, “I assure you, I will investigate what has occurred. However, I am aware that hoodlums have hijacked this protest. They have many individuals with them harassing members of the public. About an hour ago, we arrested three people who were stealing POS machines among the protesters. We also have thugs stealing wipers from vehicles and attempting to set tyres alight. The police have been responding promptly to extinguish these fires.
“These individuals are not genuine protesters; they are thugs who might have joined the protest or infiltrated it. I promise to investigate further and provide feedback on what I find. The situation has changed. The protest has evolved from its original purpose. Groups are now moving around the town, blocking roads, coercing people to join them, and even threatening to shut down businesses. This has moved beyond a peaceful protest. I am very surprised by the escalation. You may have noticed the presence of many female police officers.”
