…Egbetokun said the police are often unfairly blamed for violent acts that occur under the guise of protests.
EDO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has rejected claims that police officers arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, Edo State, emphasizing that the 52 individuals taken into custody were involved in criminal activities during the demonstration.
The arrests, which included mostly students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), had sparked outrage among the parents of those detained, particularly after the state high court in Benin City ordered that the suspects be remanded at Ubiaja Prisons.
Speaking on the weekend edition of Crime Buster with Desmond (Episode Six), Egbetokun said the police are often unfairly blamed for violent acts that occur under the guise of protests.
“That’s the usual false narrative against the police,” he said. “When criminal acts are committed during protests, people claim that we are arresting peaceful demonstrators. Even when individuals burn down police stations, attack officers, or steal arms, Nigerians often accuse us of targeting peaceful protesters.”
The IGP clarified that the police have no objection to lawful demonstrations and remain committed to protecting citizens engaging in peaceful protests.
“In Ekpoma, the police did not pursue anyone participating in a lawful protest. We are not against peaceful protest. We have made this clear repeatedly: if people wish to protest peacefully, the police will safeguard them,” he said.
However, Egbetokun emphasized that criminal behavior under the cover of protests would not be tolerated. “Peaceful protest is not a challenge for the police. The issue arises with those who perpetrate crimes, engage in violence, destroy property, or loot shops during protests. Those are the individuals we target,” he added.
Regarding the Ekpoma case, the IGP said, “Yes, 52 people were arrested during the protest, but according to the reports received, these individuals were involved in looting shops and vandalizing the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma. It was not a case of detaining peaceful protesters. That is the false narrative we frequently encounter in Nigeria, which I want to debunk.”
The arrests followed a demonstration against rising cases of kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA, on January 10, which escalated into violence, resulting in looted shops and damaged property. The Federal High Court in Edo State had remanded the 52 suspects, including AAU students, and adjourned the case to February 26 for hearing.
Residents of Ekpoma and nearby communities had marched with placards demanding government intervention to curb kidnapping in the area. Following the unrest, the AAU students detained in connection with the protest were later released by order of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
