There is heightened tension in Abuja today over the planned protest demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Naijaonpoint reports that the founder and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians, particularly traders, to join the demonstration against Kanu’s continued detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the same time, counter-protests have also been scheduled, raising concerns of possible confrontation.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against any form of protest around the Presidential Villa and its environs.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the warning was in compliance with a Federal High Court order restraining protests within and around Aso Rock Villa.
“The order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting on their instructions from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs. Other areas are: the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way,” Hundeyin said.
He stressed that all intending protesters and counter-groups must avoid restricted areas and refrain from acts capable of disturbing public order.
Hundeyin added that the police would guarantee the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of law-abiding citizens.
“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 warned.
He noted that offenders would be investigated and prosecuted under criminal laws, including those relating to violent conduct, public order, and terrorism.
The FPRO also cautioned that individuals who incite violence through social media or other platforms would be tracked and prosecuted using digital evidence.
Hundeyin disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure strict enforcement of the court’s order.
He said the IGP had also mandated visible deployments across vulnerable areas to ensure residents’ safety and the smooth running of lawful activities.
The police urged protest organisers to explore lawful channels such as the courts rather than taking to the streets.
Hundeyin also assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been made, urging non-participants to go about their normal activities without fear.
“Anyone found to be in breach of the court’s order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
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