Saturday, July 18, 2026

Nigerians can protest but we want organisers’ names: Police

“It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state,” the statement read.

• July 28, 2024
Adejobi Olumuyiwa
Adejobi Olumuyiwa (Credit: Adejobi Olumuyiwa)


The Nigeria Police has said  it is within the rights of Nigerians to stage protests while insisting that requesting for the details of protest organisers is a standard procedure. 

PRESS RELEASE

RE: POLICE IG ACCUSED OF TRYING TO REWRITE CONSTITUTION: NPF SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Educates Adeyanju, Other Accusers on Police’s Constitutional Responsibility in Public Order

The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests. It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasised that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression. Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security. 

In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities. It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.

It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests. If organised labour and other recognized bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.

While the Police urges Mr. Adeyanju and other organizers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands in working together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation. 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.

28th July, 2024

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

suspected phone thieves

States

Niger: Police rescue two suspected phone thieves from mob

He identified the suspects as Hassan Abdullahi, 20, and Khalifa Bashir, 22. 

COURT OF APPEAL

Heading 5

Court of Appeal nullifies Electoral Act provisions on parties’ primary election, membership register

Zenith Party argued that the disputed Electoral Act provisions unlawfully interfered with the internal affairs of political parties. 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos

Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurates climate investment fund

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the fund as a landmark intervention. 

Kano-Daura rail project

NationWide

NRC reaffirms police partnership to protect rail assets

Mr Opeifa described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded.