The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that police only arrested individuals involved in criminal activities during the ongoing nationwide protest. Adejobi made this statement during the monthly news conference by The Strategic Communication Inter-agency Policy Committee, hosted by the States Security Service on Monday in Abuja.
He emphasized the distinction between protests and riots, noting that while some states experienced peaceful protests, others saw riots and criminal behavior on the first day.
“Arrests of certain riotous individuals should not be mistaken for the arrest of protesters,” he explained. Adejobi pointed out that peaceful protests have been occurring in some states, with security agencies and public officials engaging with the protesters.
He highlighted that gatherings with individuals wielding stones and dangerous weapons are not conducive to peaceful engagement. Adejobi assured that the police, military, and other security agencies handled the protesters professionally nationwide.
In Abuja, Adejobi noted that some protesters violated a court ruling restricting them to the main bowl of the National Stadium. He stressed that the police presence aimed to protect national assets and that the barricade at Eagle Square was to safeguard the three arms zone.
“In some areas of Abuja, we witnessed violent riots,” he said, adding that any such gatherings could no longer be considered peaceful. Adejobi confirmed that those arrested so far were individuals with criminal intent.
