· Heavy security deployment
· Civil servants face transportation chaos
By Sarah NEGEDU & Laraba MUREY
Nigeria’s Federal Capital City, Abuja, has braced up for a possible showdown between security forces, especially the police, and the Omoyele Sowore-led #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
Kanu is facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court Abuja after his extraordinary rendition from Kenya by Nigerian security officials in June 2021.
The latest move to draw attention to Kanu’s plight through protest has divided the country with some warning against the move.
Efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to thwart the protest was met with judicial rebuke by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit between The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others on October 17.
The court denied the request of the federal government, rather restrained any form of protest within and around the Presidential Villa and adjoining areas to include National Assembly, Court of Appeal, Police Headquarters, and the Shehu Shagari Way that houses the Federal Secretariat.
Already, the police have warned that it will decisively deal with any person or group that uses protests over the continued detention of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as a cover to incite violence, carry offensive weapons, vandalise property, or engage in acts that could lead to loss of life or injury.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who issued the warning in Abuja on Sunday, said that offenders would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted under relevant laws, including those on public order, violent conduct, and terrorism where applicable.
“Those who incite others through social media or other platforms will be investigated and prosecuted using digital evidence,” Hundeyin stated.
He further cautioned individuals or groups planning demonstrations to stay clear of Aso Rock Villa and its environs, citing an existing court order restricting protests in those areas.
“The order prohibits protests around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way,” he explained.
Hundeyin emphasized that the police would ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and maintenance of law and order within the FCT.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT and relevant operational commands to strictly enforce the court’s order and maintain strategic deployments across vulnerable locations to ensure residents’ safety.
“All intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and desist from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public peace,” he warned.
Hundeyin urged organisers and participants to pursue their grievances through lawful and constitutional means rather than resorting to street protests, assuring that adequate security arrangements have been made to safeguard law-abiding citizens across the FCT.
Also, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command, has cautioned protesters to desist from vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure in the territory during Monday’s protests.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
Odumosu called on citizens, in support or against the planned rallies, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
“The corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities, all in the name of protest,” he said.
He said that the corps had massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protests.
“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to the peace in the territory.
“The deployed men were drawn from the special forces of the corps, and they have been properly briefed on the precautions to adhere to during the rally,” he said.
Odumosu said personnel had been warned to avoid accidental discharge, harassment or intimidation of anyone, as no indiscipline or over-zealousness will be condoned.
Fears have also been expressed about transport chaos as the police began restricting vehicular movement on Sunday evening.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony and has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021.
