On Thursday in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, a peaceful rally was disrupted. Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), accused the Nigeria Police Force of assisting the individuals responsible.
Sowore claims that the protesters wanted to bring attention to issues with Nigerian leadership and democratic rights. He said that the group’s legal representative had formally informed the police in advance via letter.
He clarified that the purpose of the message was not to request authorisation, but rather to emphasise the fundamental obligation of law enforcement to protect demonstrators who are peaceful.
“The Commissioner of Police had received a letter from an attorney,” Sowore announced. Reminding the police of their duty to safeguard residents was the point, not a request for authorisation to protest.
He said it was disheartening that they had neglected their responsibility and had instead backed the mob that had broken up the demonstration.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the protest was allegedly assaulted, and despite the Commissioner of Police having earlier made promises, no measures were done.
According to Sowore, the demonstration organisers had issued a warning following the event, implying that additional measures might be taken.
“A warning had been issued to the Commissioner. “We will return and assert our presence if nothing is done,” he warned.
According to Sowore, the goal of the disturbance was to censor free speech. “No one has the authority to censor another Nigerian for voicing their opinions,” he expanded. “These paid individuals arrived with the express purpose of disrupting and assaulting lawful protesters.”
Protest organisers had requested police protection in advance, according to human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, who was also there. He demanded answers from the security forces and strongly denounced the act.
Police in Ondo State have denied any involvement in the disturbance, according to Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi. He said the accusations were baseless.
“I can assure the public that no policeman under my watch would collaborate with thugs,” Afolabi stated, referring to the extensive training that their personnel had undergone from both local and international sources. “The accusation lacks any foundation.”