- Say adequate measures in place to secure lives, property
- Threaten to deal decisively with those threatening to disrupt public peace
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned against any form of protest around the Aso Rock and its environs by those demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, detained Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said in Abuja at the weekend that the warning became necessary arising from an order issued by a Federal High Court, Abuja.
CSP Hundeyin said in a statement that the Force will therefore not tolerate any form of disruption of public peace by the intending protesters.
According to the Police Spokesman, the court, in a suit between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, on October 17, 2025, restrained any form of protest around the Aso Rock presidential Villa and its environs in the nation’s capital.
The statement said, “The order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs.
“Other area are the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.
“Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act, capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order”.
CSP Hundeyin said the Force would ensure free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens, even as it threatened to deal decisively with any person or group using protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury.
Also, he warned that offenders would be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws, including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.
On those inciting others via social media or other platforms, he said the Police would investigate and prosecute them, using digital evidence, adding that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the court’s order.
The Force Spokesman also said the I-G had directed the CP to maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, in order to ensure the security and safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.
While urging organisers of the protest and participants to avoid the restricted areas specified by the court and refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law, Hundeyin also said it was important for the protesters to channel their grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than on the streets.
Assuring that the police have made adequate security arrangements to protect lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians, CPS Hundeyin said those, who are not part of the protest, should go about their lawful businesses without fear as anyone found to be in breach of the court’s order or in contempt of the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
