The Nigeria Police Force has warned agitators calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to steer clear of Aso Rock Villa and its environs.
Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, said the caution followed a Federal High Court order in Abuja that barred protests in certain locations within the capital city.
Hundeyin explained that the order, issued on October 17 in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, specifically prohibited protests at:
Aso Rock Villa and environs
National Assembly Complex
Force Headquarters
Court of Appeal
Eagle Square
Shehu Shagari Way
“The order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs,” Hundeyin said.
He cautioned intending protesters and counter-groups to avoid the restricted zones, warning that any attempt to use the protests as cover for violence would be dealt with firmly.
“Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively,” he said.
Hundeyin further stressed that those who incite violence via social media or other platforms would also be tracked, investigated, and prosecuted using digital evidence.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police for the FCT and operational commanders to strictly enforce the court order, Hundeyin disclosed.
He said visible and strategic deployments had been made across sensitive locations to protect residents, ensure free traffic flow, and secure lawful activities within the FCT.
The police spokesman urged organisers and participants of the planned protest to channel grievances through the courts and other legal avenues instead of the streets.
“Adequate security arrangements have been made to protect the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians,” Hundeyin assured.
He called on residents to go about their normal activities without fear, warning that anyone found breaching the court order would be arrested and prosecuted.
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