There have been reports on social media that police have shot, maim and even kill members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
It was reported that the protesters have move down to streets, markets and other public places, infringing on the rights of innocent citizens, hampering the freedom of participation in economic activities, damaging properties, assaulting and inflicting injuries
on other people going about their lawful endeavours.
This protest by Biafra loyalist is as a result of the arrest and continued detention of the Director of Radio Biafra and Leader
of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, by Nigeria’s secret Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), his supporters had organised massive protests across parts of Delta, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Bayelsa and Rivers States, calling for his
immediate release.
Arase, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole on Thursday
in Abuja, described the reports as social media speculations, stressing that despite provocation,
police officers had managed the situation with a high sense of responsibility and professionalism.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM wishes to state that, the Nigeria Police Force is conscious of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association amongst others as enshrined in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), and cannot afford to maim or kill citizens exercising these rights.
Noting that the Nigeria Police are duty-bound to enforce these rights, the IGP charged Police officers in State Commands to ensure that citizens embarking on rallies and other peaceful demonstrations are provided adequate security in line with the standard operational practice of the Force.
The Inspector-General of Police therefore called on all law abiding citizens to disregard the allegations by these groups, describing their allegations as false and calculated attempt to attract undue attention and sympathy. Even though the Nigeria Police Force appreciates the freedom and rights of citizens under the Constitution, the groups are strongly advised to respect the rights and freedom of others while exercising theirs.
The IGP, while calling on leadership of Ohanaeze to wade into these superfluous protests, to save the law-abiding and innocent citizens in the affected states from the hardship being melted out by the groups,reminded those embarking on violent protests/assemblies that such actions are criminalised by law, and anybody arrested will be treated as such under the appropriate legislations.
Ag. ACP OLABISI KOLAWOLE FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA.
