Police urge organisers to shelve April 7 protest
Police
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has expressed concerns over the timing of a nationwide protest planned by the “Take It Back Movement,” scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, coinciding with National Police Day.
The protest aims to address issues such as bad governance and suppression of free speech, while the government celebrates the resilience of police officers across the nation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” underscoring that it could undermine the significance of National Police Day, which will host dignitaries from Nigeria and abroad.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt to malign the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole,” Adejobi stated.
The statement reads, “While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security are to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
Meanwhile, the Take It Back Movement remains resolute in its plans.
The group, founded by activist Omoyele Sowore, has called for an end to misgovernance and laws like the Cybercrime Act that allegedly suppress free speech.
“April 7th is more than a protest; it is a people’s mandate,” said Comrade Ufezime Nelson Ubi, Deputy Coordinator of its Delta State chapter.
As tensions escalate, both parties have urged peaceful dialogue. The police reaffirm its commitment to upholding citizens’ rights while urging organisers to reconsider their plans.
