Protesters under the aegis of the Take-It-Back movement, on Monday, trooped to the streets in Lagos to march against what it described as bad governance and attacks on free speech in the country.
It is instructive to note that officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) escorted the protesters during their protests in Lagos.
The Premium Times also reports that the protesters, joined by several civil society groups, gathered at the Ikeja under-bridge at about 9:30 a.m., from where they marched through Obafemi Awolowo Way, chanting solidarity songs and slogans such as “We are hungry! What are we saying?”.
The demonstrators later marched towards the Lagos State House of Assembly while they were stopped from entering the premises by a team of police officers led by a senior police officer, Tijani Fatai.
“We can’t allow you to go inside for security reasons, but we can protect you here,” Fatai told the protesters.”
It is important to note that the protests took place simultaneously in Oyo, Rivers and other states as well Abuja on Monday.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, Take-It-Back Movement national coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu , faulted the action of the police, saying that the development violated their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
He said, “The police are stopping us from accessing the assembly complex, which is supposed to be the people’s house. “This is a violation of our rights to movement, assembly, and protest.”
Sanyaolu also described the protest as a “warning action,” saying that more coordinated and widespread demonstrations would follow if the government did not act on their demands.
He further called for the immediate release of protesters allegedly arrested and dispersed violently in other parts of the country, including Abuja, Yobe, Gombe, and Rivers States.
He said, “We want the Federal Government to repeal the Cybercrime Act, lift the emergency rule in Rivers State, stop the demolition of houses in Lagos communities like Oworonshoki, and halt the ongoing trial of #EndSARS protesters accused of treason.
“This is just a warning. When we return, we will shake not just Nigeria but the entire world.
Another protest leader, identified as Isaiah and popularly known as Comrade Shine Shine, decried what he called the “oppressive policies” of the Federal Government.
He said, “Every policy coming from this administration is pushing Nigerians deeper into poverty. The Cybercrime Act is being used to silence dissent. We won’t accept that.
“The police and other uniformed men should address protesters with civility. We are coming out peacefully with placards because we believe in dialogue. But if peaceful voices are crushed, violence might follow — and we don’t want that,” he said.
Another protest leader, Opayemi, focused on the alleged unconstitutionality of the Cybercrime Act.
He said, “The Cybercrime Act is being used to criminalise free speech. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression, but this law punishes citizens for saying things the government finds uncomfortable”
Opayemi also condemned the wave of forced demolitions in low-income communities, describing them as “inhumane,” especially during a time of economic hardship.
He said, “These demolitions in places like Makoko, Ikosi, and Oworonshoki are being carried out without regard for the suffering masses. The hardship we’re facing in Nigeria today is not natural. It’s man-made — created by bad policies and an uncaring government.”
He said, “The people must be heard. This government must listen before it’s too late. The people are suffering, and the patience they keep asking for has long run out.”
The protesters vowed to return to the streets if the Federal Government fails to repeal the 2024 Cybercrime Act and address a string of human rights and governance concerns.
Activist and ormer presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had earlier rejected claims by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that the protest was aimed at undermining the National Police Day celebration.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Sowore criticised the statement issued by the police, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from the controversies surrounding the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The police had earlier raised concerns about the timing and motive behind the planned protest, adding that the protest was ill-timed and mischievous
In a statement by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police said it had learned of the protest being organised by the ‘Take It Back’ movement across several states, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The police noted that the protest was scheduled to take place on the same day the Federal Government has designated as National Police Day to honour the service and dedication of police personnel.
Police disperse protesters in Abuja with tear gas
In a related development, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, dispersed protesters with tear gas in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Channels TV, the protesters, who gathered at the Maitama area of the nation’s capital to express their grievances on Monday morning, were dispersed with tear gas canisters which sent many scampering for safety.
The protest, which is part of a nationwide demonstration spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organisations, began earlier in the day to draw attention to several national issues.
According to the organisers, key among their concerns is the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the worsening economic hardship in the country, and the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu on Rivers State
The demonstrators carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” as they marched through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was also present at the protest ground to show solidarity with the movement.
In a statement made available last week Friday, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest is aimed at resisting what he termed the “increasing authoritarianism” of the current administration and to demand urgent relief for Nigerians battling inflation and insecurity.
… Fire teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt
Officers of the Rivers State Police Command on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters who gathered at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The protesters, who are members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’ were greeted by heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9am.
“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” the young demonstrators told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest.
Policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them including journalists reporting the event.
The protesters had earlier told the policemen that they had informed the police command of their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
One of the protesters also told journalists that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government. “We are not here for violence,” he had said.
The demonstrator listed some of their grievances to include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He said, “As it is, we have no government. This government in Rivers State is alien to our people; it is unconstitutional. We are here to demand that our governor comes back to office and lead us appropriately. We have a social contract with the governor and not the sole administrator. This is democracy.
Police authorities had on Sunday called on the organisers of the nationwide protest to shelve the plan, citing several national issues.
Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi had described the protest as ill-timed, especially as it coincided with the National Police Day celebration.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” Adejobi had said.
