6th December, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Police have declared as ” unacceptable” any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest in Ekiti State.
Ekiti Commissioner of Police, Mr Akinwale Adeniran, gave the declaration in a statement he personally signed, but issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Sunday Abutu, on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.
The police declared ‘any form of gathering unlawful’ ahead of December 10 protest being spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore against the detention of lawyer Dele Farotimi in the Ekiti State.
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and taken to Ekiti State by the police based on a petition filed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Afe Babalola.
Babalola accused Farotimi of defaming him in a book.
The Lagos lawyer was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrates court in Ekiti and remanded till 10 December.
However, Sowore had in series of post on social media calls for protests in Lagos, Ekiti and Kings College, London over the arrest of Farotimi.
But the Ekiti Police Command in the statement issued on Friday said the protest would not be allowed, stressing the need to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and ensure safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
“Parents and guardians are, therefore, implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the state, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
Ekiti Police Commissioner said, “intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have plans to hide under the guise of protest to unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.
“Parents and guardians are, therefore, implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the state, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Commissioner also assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the yuletide.
Adeniran also sought for more support, collaboration and obedience to law and order by the people of the state.
“Ekiti State Police Command wishes to appreciate all the residents and good people of Ekiti State for their support, cooperation and collaboration all through this year 2024.
“These have assisted tremendously in nipping crime in the bud and enhancing the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the state.
Adeniran said that the command had also placed a ban on the sale and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers in the state.
According to him, the items are capable of causing security threat, distractions, unnecessary apprehension and health-related issues.
He also stated that the use of fireworks could create panic and confusion, as it could be difficult to differentiate their sounds from that of the real gunshot.
The police commissioner enjoined residents to be security conscious and promptly report any untoward incident or observation that might be inimical to the peace and security of the state to the nearest police station or call 08062335577.
