“We Are Not Against Peaceful Protest”, IGP Rejects Claims of Targeting Demonstrators in Ekpoma

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has dismissed allegations that the Nigeria Police Force targeted peaceful demonstrators during the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Edo State. Speaking during an appearance on the weekend program Crime Buster with Desmond (Episode 6), the IGP asserted that the 52 individuals taken into custody were apprehended for criminal acts, including looting and the destruction of property.

The arrests followed a January 10 demonstration against the rising tide of kidnappings in the Esan West Local Government Area. While the march began with residents and Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students seeking government intervention, the situation reportedly devolved into violence.

The IGP addressed the public outcry from parents and activists following the suspects’ initial remand at Ubiaja Prisons. He suggested that there is a recurring tendency to label any arrest made during a period of civil unrest as an attack on free speech.

“That’s the usual false narrative against the police. When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters,” the IGP stated. “Even those who burnt down police stations, murdered policemen, stole our arms during protests, Nigerians will accuse us that we are arresting people who are on peaceful protest.”

Egbetokun emphasized that the police’s primary objective is to maintain order, not to suppress legitimate grievances.

“In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. We are not against peaceful protest,” he explained. “We have made this clear many times and we continue to say it, that the police will not stop anybody who comes out for peaceful protest. If you want to come out for peaceful protest, what’s our business? We will protect you.”

According to the IGP, the line is drawn when demonstrations turn destructive. He specifically cited the vandalization of the Enogie of Ekpoma’s palace and the looting of local businesses as the reasons for the 52 arrests.

“Peaceful protest is not a challenge to the police; it is those people who want to perpetrate crime, carry out violence, destroy property and loot shops during protest. Those are the ones we have problems with,” Egbetokun remarked.

He continued by detailing the reports he received from the field:

“In Ekpoma, yes, 52 of them were arrested during the protest, and those 52, from the report coming to me, are those people who were involved in the looting of shops and the vandalising of the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma. That was the report I have, not arrest and detention of peaceful protesters. No. That’s the usual wrong narrative that we are used to in Nigeria. So I debunk that.”

While the Federal High Court had initially ordered the suspects to remain in custody, the situation saw a major shift following an executive order by Governor Okpebholo, which led to the release of the students involved.

The IGP concluded his remarks by urging the public to provide credible information to help combat the very crimes—like kidnapping—that sparked the protests in the first place, while reiterating that the police remain the guardians of law-abiding citizens.