The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed claims that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, Edo State, insisting that the 52 individuals taken into custody were involved in criminal acts during the demonstration.
Speaking on Crime Buster with Desmond, Egbetokun emphasized that the police support lawful and peaceful protests, but will not tolerate violence, vandalism, or looting under the guise of protest. “Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police; it is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protest. Those are the ones we have problems with,” he said.
The IGP explained that the arrests in Ekpoma were linked to the looting of shops and the vandalization of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, following a protest on January 10 against rising kidnapping incidents in the area. The protest, which involved students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), escalated into violence, prompting the police to act.
Earlier, the Federal High Court in Edo State had remanded the 52 suspects at Ubiaja Prisons for alleged malicious damage and armed robbery, with the hearing adjourned to February 26. Following the intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the AAU students have since been released.
Egbetokun stressed that false narratives often paint police actions as targeting peaceful demonstrators, but in reality, law enforcement focuses on those committing criminal acts during protests. “Even those who burnt down police stations, ed policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” he noted.
The IGP reaffirmed the police commitment to protecting citizens’ rights to lawful protest while ensuring that criminality under the cover of demonstrations is promptly addressed.
I think IGP Egbetokuns clarification raises more questions than answers. Whats really going on behind the scenes?
I think the police should focus on protecting citizens rights, not suppressing peaceful protests. What do you all think?
I think the police should handle protests with more sensitivity. People have a right to express themselves peacefully.
Do you think the police are being too harsh in their handling of protests in Ekpoma? Lets discuss!
Do you trust the polices explanation of the Ekpoma protest arrests? Im not convinced. Soing seems off. 🤔
Im not convinced by IGP Egbetokuns explanation. The polices actions in the Ekpoma protest arrests seem questionable. #JusticeForEkpoma