The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has provided a detailed explanation for the arrest of 52 individuals during recent demonstrations in Ekpoma, Edo State, firmly stating that the detentions were for alleged criminal acts of vandalism and looting, not for participating in a peaceful assembly.
Police Dismiss Narrative of Targeting Peaceful Protesters
In a video statement shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigeria Police Force, IGP Egbetokun addressed the incident directly. He revealed that reports available to him confirmed the arrested suspects were involved in looting shops and vandalising the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.
The police chief expressed frustration at what he termed a recurring false narrative that portrays law enforcement as antagonistic towards lawful protests, even when clear crimes are committed under their cover. "That is the usual false narrative against the police. Whenever criminal offences are committed during protests, the story often becomes that the police arrested peaceful protesters," Egbetokun stated.
Commitment to Lawful Protest, Crackdown on Crime
Egbetokun emphasised the force's constitutional duty to protect citizens' rights to peaceful protest. "We are not against peaceful protest. We have made that clear repeatedly," he asserted. He recalled past instances where police facilities were attacked and officers killed during unrest, yet the force was still accused of suppression.
However, he drew a firm line at criminality. "Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police. What we will not allow is criminality, violence, destruction of property, or looting of shops during protests. Those are the people we have issues with," the IGP warned.
Background: How a Kidnapping Protest Turned Violent
The situation originated when residents of Ekpoma and surrounding communities, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), took to the streets on January 10 to protest the alarming rise in kidnapping cases in the area. The initial demonstration was a call for authorities to address pressing security concerns.
Unfortunately, the protest later degenerated into violence. This led to incidents of property damage and looting, which prompted police intervention and the subsequent arrests. Following the incident, a Federal High Court in Edo State remanded the 52 suspects over allegations of malicious damage and armed robbery linked to the protest's violent turn.
In a related development, the Edo State Government confirmed that the 38 AAU students arrested in connection with the event have been released. Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, announced the restoration of normalcy and the resumption of academic activities.
The incident has also drawn political commentary, with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan condemning the initial arrests and advocating for government focus on tackling the root cause of the protest—insecurity—rather than detaining youths.
