The Nigerian police have called for the cancellation of the Omoyele Sowore-led Take It Back protest against “bad governance and suppression of free speech” scheduled for April 7, saying it coincides with National Police Day.

In a statement on Sunday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigerian Police, said the protest, which calls for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, was ill-timed and should be cancelled as it overlaps with the National Police Day celebration.

“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day,” Mr Adejobi said. “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”

He added, “The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”

Mr Adejobi urged “all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.”

The Take It Back Movement has continued to mobilise for a nationwide protest using #RepealTheCyberCrimeAct on X. The protest is scheduled for April 7, according to a flyer circulated online by the group.

“Behind every prosecution under the Cybercrime Act is a story of fear, silencing, and injustice,” the Take It Back Movement said in a post on X, sharing “a list of some among the many Nigerians who were unjustly detained by the police under the oppressive Cybercrime Act.”

Mr Sowore is yet to respond to a WhatsApp message sent to him requesting a reaction to the police statement.

However, speaking about the planned protests three days ago, Mr Sowore posted a flyer of the protest, saying, “Under the Cybercrime ACT, you are not allowed to talk about politicians, General Overseers, and Members of the ruling class; otherwise, you will be arrested. If they insult you, you will also get arrested by their errand boys at the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force @PoliceNG.  

Fight The Power!”