The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed allegations that the police arrested innocent Nigerians and peaceful protesters during the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Edo State, describing such claims as a “false narrative”.
Egbetokun made the remarks during an interview aired on Channels Television on Saturday, amid widespread criticism over the arrest and detention of dozens of persons following a protest in the university town.
Responding to questions on whether he was aware of allegations that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IG said the police were often unfairly accused after violent incidents that occurred under the guise of protests.
“That’s the usual false narrative against the police.
“When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters,” Egbetokun said.
He added that even in instances where police formations were attacked, officers killed and weapons stolen, the public still accused the police of targeting innocent demonstrators.
“Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest,” he said.
Addressing the Ekpoma incident specifically, Egbetokun maintained that the police had no issue with lawful demonstrations and would not arrest anyone for participating in a peaceful protest.
“In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest.
“We have made this clear many times and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for peaceful protest. If you want to come out for peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you,” he said.
The IG stressed that violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest, were the concern of the police.
“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police. It is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protest. Those are the ones we have problems with,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested in Ekpoma, insisting they were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.
“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalising of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma.
“That was the report I have, not arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So I debunk that,” he said.
The comments come against the backdrop of public outrage following reports that students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, were among 52 persons remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for offences including malicious damage and armed robbery.
PUNCH Online had reported that the arrests followed a protest aimed at highlighting insecurity in Ekpoma, which later turned violent after suspected hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacked traders and blocked roads by burning tyres.
Several activists and politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had condemned the arrests, describing them as an attempt to suppress democratic expression.
However, the Edo State Government rejected claims that the unrest was a student protest, insisting it was a “coordinated riot aimed at destabilising the state”.
Last Wednesday, the state government announced that 38 students of Ambrose Alli University arrested during the unrest would be released. The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, said some of the students were freed on Tuesday, while others would regain their freedom later on Wednesday.
The Edo State Police Command had earlier said suspects who looted and vandalised property during the protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, were arrested following the breakdown of law and order.
Residents had reportedly blocked the highway after the death of a youth, amid rising insecurity and cases of kidnapping in the area.
Videos circulating online showed youths attacking a livestock market in Ekpoma, chasing traders away, slaughtering goats and leaving cattle roaming freely on major roads, further fuelling public concern over the violence that accompanied the protest.
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