By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force is set to clash with members of Omoyele Sowore- led ‘Take It Back’ movement over the planned nationwide protest of the group scheduled to begin today, Monday, 7 April.
Take It Back Movement called for the nationwide protests over alleged abuse of Cybercrime Act for by the police among other issues.
But the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had in a statement on Sunday asked the leadership of ‘Take It Back’ movement to shelve the nationwide protest with argument that it clashed with the National Police Day celebration scheduled to be held on the same day.
Force spokesperson, Olumuyi Adejobi who signed the statement said on Monday 7th April, 2025 has been earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” Adejobi said while affirming that the police is not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution.
He however said the the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. 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 under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.”
But Sowore, the leader of ‘Take It Movement’ in a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, vowed that the protest will go ahead.
He also said rather than his group, it is the police that should reconsider their own programme.
“Regardless, tomorrow’s protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!”
