Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has warned the Nigerian Police that any use of negative force on those planning to protest against the continued detention of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will spark repercussion.
He thus urged the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to honour their oath to protect citizens and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march.
The planned protest, billed for Monday, October 20.
“Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long.
“We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly,” Sowore wrote in an online message.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a statement on Sunday, had directed his men to be on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of the court order.
He also ordered all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments across strategic locations in Abuja to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Sowore called on CP Dantawaye and every police officer to refuse any order that would violate protesters’ rights and to ensure the safety of marchers.
He warned that any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests would attract repercussions,” saying Nigerians would hold accountable anyone who attempts brutality.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021.
He is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony.
The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply, a situation that continues to stir public outrage and renewed agitation.
