The Nigeria Police Force has addressed recent allegations made by activist Deji Adeyanju and others, claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is attempting to undermine the Constitution by requesting details of protest organisers and leaders.
News About Nigeria reports that this is contained in a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi clarified that the IGP has always acknowledged citizens’ rights to freedom of association and expression, but emphasised the importance of peaceful assembly and expression.
Adejobi explained that requesting details of protest organisers, leaders, and schedules is a standard procedure to ensure effective communication, safety, and prevention of unlawful activities.
He cited Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for restrictions in the interest of defense, public safety, and order.
The Police urged Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead Nigerians and instead work together to maintain national security and well-being.
The statement emphasised the importance of knowing who is planning assemblies in each state to prevent faceless groups from operating unchecked, citing the violent 2020 EndSARS protests as an example.
Recall that on July 26, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has urged organisers of the upcoming nationwide protest to provide essential details to their respective state commissioners to ensure a smooth and safe demonstration.
“To facilitate a peaceful demonstration, Egbetokun requested that organisers provide information on the protest route, assembly point, duration, and leadership,” he said.
He also asked for measures to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protest and causing trouble.
Egbetokun emphasised the importance of designating specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events.
