VANGUARD
The Nigerian Police Force said, on Monday, that it arrested 31 persons for what it described as “treason” for producing and distributing Russian flags and calling for anarchy.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said 30 persons were arrested in Kaduna while one person, who was recruiting persons for distribution of the flags, was arrested in Kano.
Adejobi also said that as at today, Monday, the number of persons arrested “who are not protesters but criminal elements, rioters” in connection with the #Endbadgovernance protest, are 873, up from 861 at the weekend.
He spoke during the joint press briefing of spokespersons of security and response agencies at the headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS.
‘They’re not protesters’
Adejobi said, “What we are having in the country right now are protests, demonstrations, and riots.
“Those arrested are rioters, armed robbers, looters and criminal elements. Arrest of criminal elements should not be described as arrest of protesters.
“Those arrested so far across the country are criminally-minded persons, looters engaged in criminal offences such as vandalization and destruction of public and critical infrastructure.
“So we should use the appropriate description for them — they are not protesters.
Speaking on allegations of using live bullets against the protesters as alleged at the MKO Abiola Stadium, ACP Adejoba said the Police and sister security agencies have operated in line with rules of engagement while managing the protest.
He said “Using tear gas against protesters when they resort to violence is allowed anywhere in the world.
“We have reiterated that we will not fold our hands to see violence again.
“In some states protesters have been so violent; up to the extent they attempted to break into government house and offices here.”
Continuing he said misuse of words is the greatest cause of errors.
“We need to use our words contextually this time around. I know we are aware that we are having protests in Nigeria.
“At the same time, we are aware we have riots in some states in Nigeria. So arrests of certain individuals who have been riotous should not be seen as the arrest of protesters. Let us get it clear.
“There are some states in Nigeria they have been having peaceful protests. Security agencies have been engaging them in some states.
“I’m sure, and I know you are aware, that some governors and public office holders have been engaging them. You can only engage a gathering, an assembly, that is friendly and accessible.
“Where you have individuals wielding stones, offensive weapons, dangerous weapons and all the likes; I don’t think a reasonable man will move close or be in the middle of such a gathering,” he noted.
MKO Abiola Stadium clash
On tear gas canisters fired at National Stadium: “The is the Federal Capital Territory, the heartbeat of our own great nation.
“Based on the court ruling the FCT Police CP asked them to use Mashood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Not the Umaru Yar’adua Expressway which cater to traffic from the Airport Road, City Gate, City Centre etc
“So I think we need to get things right. The venue is Mashood Kashimawo Abiola Stadium in Abuja. So if you see any individual on this expressway, I think that person has deliberately and willfully violated the agreement or the court ruling.
