Protest: IGP Orders Protection For Demonstrators
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed senior police officers to ensure the protection of protesters following a request from prominent human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. Egbetokun has also invited Adegboruwa to a meeting at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, scheduled for today.
In a letter dated July 29, 2024, and signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola, it was conveyed that Egbetokun aims to discuss Adegboruwa’s request for police protection for the protesters. “I am to also inform you that the Inspector General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to deliberate further on your request,” CP Adenola stated in the letter.
The IGP’s directive includes orders to senior police officers, such as Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and Commissioners of Police overseeing State Commands nationwide, to address the lawyer’s request.
Adegboruwa’s appeal for police protection is viewed as a precautionary measure amid concerns that the planned protests could escalate similarly to the EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020.
Warnings against protests reminiscent of recent demonstrations in Kenya have been issued by both the police and other security agencies, including the military and the Department of State Service.
Despite appeals from politicians urging youths to abandon the planned rallies, many young people remain determined to proceed with the protests.
The upcoming meeting between the IGP and Adegboruwa is expected to focus on ensuring the safety and security of all involved. As the situation unfolds, today’s deliberations are anticipated to significantly impact the handling of the upcoming protests.
