Cancel April 7 Protest, Police tell Take It Back Movement

Abuja – The Nigeria Police Force has called on the Take It Back Movement (TIB) and other affiliated groups to suspend their planned nationwide protest scheduled for Sunday, April 7, describing the timing as “ill-advised and mischievous.”

The planned protest, announced by the Take It Back Movement, is intended to address concerns over the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, among other governance-related issues.

According to the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, the protest aims to draw national and international attention to what he described as escalating repression, digital censorship, and the shrinking space for civil liberties in Nigeria.

However, in a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged the organizers to reconsider the timing of the protest. He noted that April 7 has been designated by the Federal Government as National Police Day, a day set aside to honour the contributions and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force, while not opposed to the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and association, is deeply concerned about the motive behind staging such a protest on a day designated to celebrate the Nigeria Police,” the statement read.

Adejobi explained that the day’s events will include high-profile ceremonies and gatherings, attracting dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police, diplomats, security experts, and other stakeholders.

“It is our view that holding a protest on the same day poses a significant risk to public safety and could lead to unnecessary tension or confrontation,” he added.

The Police expressed suspicion over the decision to schedule the protest for April 7, suggesting that it could be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the day’s celebrations and tarnish the image of the Force.

“We view the timing of this protest as mischievous, considering that the day is set aside to showcase the dedication and commitment of officers who serve and protect the country often under challenging conditions,” Adejobi said.

He emphasized that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is committed to protecting citizens’ rights while also ensuring that national events are not hijacked or disrupted under the guise of civil action.

“We call on the organizers to seek proper channels of engagement with relevant government institutions to address their concerns rather than resorting to mass protests which could escalate into civil disorder,” the statement continued.

The Police further warned that security agencies across the country are on alert and will ensure that National Police Day celebrations proceed without disruption. Citizens were also urged to remain law-abiding and avoid being misled by groups seeking to incite unrest.

Meanwhile, organizers of the planned protest have not officially responded to the Police statement, but activists involved in the campaign have vowed on social media to go ahead with the demonstrations, citing what they describe as a “pattern of suppression” under the current administration.

The protest, expected to take place simultaneously in several cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano, is one of several planned actions by civil society groups to push back against what they view as shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.

Among the key issues raised by organizers is the alleged weaponization of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which critics argue has been used to clamp down on journalists, online activists, and whistleblowers.

Additionally, the group has condemned the political crisis in Rivers State, where recent events have prompted speculation about a potential state of emergency amid growing tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The protest organizers insist that their actions are peaceful and constitutionally protected, warning that attempts to suppress public dissent only worsen citizens’ mistrust in government institutions.

In contrast, the Nigeria Police maintained that dialogue and institutional engagement remain the most effective means of resolving national issues.

“We advise all concerned groups to prioritize peace and stability. Let us not lose sight of the fact that our democratic rights must be exercised with a sense of responsibility and in a manner that does not undermine national security,” Adejobi concluded.

As the April 7 date draws near, all eyes will be on both the organizers and security agencies as Nigerians wait to see whether dialogue or confrontation will prevail.