EKO NEWS
Proactiveness Or Human Rights Violation? Police Arrest ‘Yoruba Nation’ Agitators For Planning Protest In Lagos
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In recent years, some Yoruba activists have been demanding secession from Nigeria.
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Their agitation has spurred numerous protests, sometimes violent, in parts of the country, especially Lagos State.
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The Police in Lagos have prevented the group from staging their latest protest, raising questions about the agitators’ fundamental human rights.
Eko Hot Blog reports that men of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested ‘Yoruba Nation’ agitators for allegedly planning a protest in the state.
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The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the disclosure in a series of tweets on Sunday.
According to Hundeyin, the Police took action after the agitators set up camp in Alausa, Lagos, to launch a “massive protest.”
He noted that the Police took proactive steps because protests that started with that format had always “snowballed” into the destruction of property and other vices.
“Earlier today, a number of Yoruba Nation agitators commenced setting up camp at Alausa, planned to be used as base to launch a massive protest,” Hundeyin tweeted.
“Camp was promptly dislodged while agitators were arrested. Investigation continues at SCID. Lawlessness WILL NOT be tolerated!
“Protests that started with this format, in Lagos, always snowballed into infringement of the rights of others, destruction of property & difficult-to-manage situations.
“At Lagos State Police Command, we put crime statistics to use.”
Protests that started with this format, in Lagos, always snowballed into infringement of the rights of others, destruction of property & difficult-to-manage situations.
At Lagos State Police Command, we put crime statistics to use.
Also, see section 4 of the Police Act 2020.👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/2uNrWpBhqJ
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) February 5, 2023
Meanwhile, the arrests of the ‘Yoruba Nation’ agitators has generated pushback from many, who criticised the Police for violating the agitators’ fundamental human rights.
A prominent legal practitioner, Ridwan Oke, called for the immediate release of the agitators in a tweet.
“Those people should be released immediately. Attempt to launch a massive protest is not illegal,” Oke wrote on Twitter.
“There’s no basis for their arrest whatsoever especially for your tweet. The Police arrested people that they were meant to protect while they exercise their rights.”
Those people should be released immediately. Attempt to launch a massive protest is not illegal. There's no basis for their arrest whatsoever especially for your tweet. The Police arrested people that they were meant to protect while they exercise their rights. LMAO
— Ridwan Oke (@Ridwanullahii) February 5, 2023
“Lawlessness? If no be bad government wey give you mind, who are you to tell Nigerians protest will not be tolerated?” Rinu Oduala, an activist, wrote.
Lawlessness? If no be bad government wey give you mind, who are you to tell Nigerians protest will not be tolerated?
— Rinu Oduala 🔥🔫 (@SavvyRinu) February 5, 2023
“This arrest is very illegal. Not alone is agitation for self-determination not a crime, to protest or plan to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed under Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution. They should be released immediately and unconditionally,” Festus Ogun, a constitutional lawyer wrote on Twitter.
This arrest is very illegal. Not alone is agitation for self-determination not a crime, to protest or plan to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed under Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution. They should be released immediately and unconditionally.
— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) February 5, 2023
“Planning to protest is not a crime, neither is agitating for Yoruba Nation,” Oshogwe Ogbolu wrote.
Planning to protest is not a crime, neither is agitating for Yoruba Nation
— Jawjie (@oshogweogbolu) February 5, 2023
FURTHER READING
“Protest is supposed to be the right of the citizens under Democratic government, or is the Naija version different?” Tico Benson, another Twitter user queried.
Protest is supposed to be the right of the citizens under Democratic government, or is the Naija version different?
— Tico Benson (@ticobenson) February 5, 2023
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