The Nigeria Police Force has urged prospective protestors agitating for Mazi Nnamdi Kalu’s release to avoid any type of protest near Aso Rock and its vicinity.
According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja, the warning was issued in response to a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja.
He stated that on October 17, the court in a case involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore and four others prohibited any type of protest near Aso Rock and its vicinity.
“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.
“Other areas are the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
“Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order,” he said.
The police spokesman stated that the force would ensure the free flow of traffic, the protection of lives and property, and the safety of all law-abiding individuals.
According to him, any individual or organization that uses protests to promote violence, carries or uses offensive weapons, vandalizes public or private property, abducts, or engages in conduct likely to result in death or serious harm would face severe consequences.
He stated that perpetrators will be arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted under applicable criminal laws, including those relating to public order, aggressive conduct, and terrorism, if applicable.
Hundeyin stated that anyone who instigates others on social media or other platforms will be examined and prosecuted using digital proof.
He stated that the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and related operational commands to strictly follow the court’s ruling.
Hundeyin stated that the I-G has directed the CP to maintain visible and strategic deployments in sensitive areas while also ensuring the protection of people and lawful operations in the FCT.
He advised protest organizers and participants to avoid the restricted areas designated by the court and to refrain from bringing weapons, participating in provocative behavior, or encouraging others to break the law.
Hundeyin also advised demonstrators to take their issues to the courts and other legal means rather than the streets.
The police spokesman stated that adequate security measures had been implemented to protect the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians.
He urged people who did not participate in the protest to go about their legitimate business without fear, as anyone discovered to be in violation of the court’s order or in contempt of the law will be detained and prosecuted.
