THE Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has clarified that the 52 individuals arrested during the recent protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, were taken into custody for acts of looting and vandalism, not for participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Speaking in a video shared on the Nigeria Police Force’s official X handle, Egbetokun dismissed claims that the arrests targeted peaceful protesters.
He explained that those detained were allegedly involved in the destruction of property, including the vandalism of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma and the looting of shops during the protest.
According to the police chief, the Force is often wrongly accused of suppressing lawful protests whenever criminal activities occur under the guise of demonstrations.
He stressed that the police remain committed to protecting citizens who engage in peaceful protests and have no intention of obstructing lawful expressions of dissent.
Egbetokun reiterated that the police only intervene when protests are hijacked by individuals seeking to perpetrate violence, destroy property, or engage in criminal acts.
He described allegations of arresting peaceful protesters as a recurring and misleading narrative, which he firmly rejected.
Residents of Ekpoma and surrounding communities had staged protests over the rising cases of kidnapping in the area, marching along major roads and calling for urgent government intervention.
However, the protest reportedly turned violent on January 10, resulting in widespread vandalism and looting. Several demonstrators, including students of Ambrose Alli University, were subsequently arrested.
Following the incident, a Federal High Court in Edo State remanded 52 suspects over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery linked to the protest.
The students arrested in connection with the incident have since been released.
The IGP maintained that while peaceful protest poses no challenge to the police, criminality disguised as protest will not be tolerated.