Victor EzejaThe Nigeria Police Force has said the Inspector General Of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, did not order any curfew regarding the planned nationwide protests across the country.
In a statement released on Monday night, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the reports as “false and mischievous.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the Police spokesperson, the report had claimed that the IGP imposed a curfew starting at 4 p.m. for all protests across the country.
Adejobi said if the information is true, it would have been communicated through the official Nigeria Police Force platforms.
He urged the public to disregard such information.
The statement reads: “Following the recent misinformation regarding the imposition of a curfew ahead of the planned nationwide protest, it has come to our attention that some news outlets, particularly dockaysworld.com.ng, have reported that the Inspector General of Police has imposed a strict curfew starting at 4 p.m. for all protests.
“This information is entirely false and mischievous.
“The NPF hereby categorically states that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has not declared any curfew. Additionally, it is pertinent to state that such information would have been communicated via the official Nigeria Police Force platforms were it true.
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“The false publication suggesting otherwise is a product of the authors’ imaginations and does not represent the position of the Nigeria Police.
“We urge all media outlets and the general public to disregard this misinformation and rely on official statements from the Nigeria Police Force or other authorised government agencies.”
The nationwide protests scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, has been generated mixed reactions.
Some youths are planning a nationwide protest against the rising cost of living crisis and economic hardship.
Prime Business Africa had reported that President Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians to shelve the protest and allow him more time to tackle the country’s challenges.
The Nigerian military last week issued a statement saying it has got intelligence report that some elements are planning to hijack the protest and unleash mayhem that may lead to anarchy. The military said it would not watch the country descend into anarchy.
Similarly, the Department of State Services (DSS) said the protest may be hijacked by hoodlums. The DSS further claimed that the protest is a grand plan by those orchestrating it to achieve a regime change.
Prime Business Africa had also reported that the the police claimed that foreign mercenaries may be involved in the protest.
IGP Orders DIGs, CPs to Protect Protesters
Meanwhile, the IGP has directed senior police officers to protect participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The IGP’s order is contained in a letter dated 29 July 2024, signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola, following a request by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).
Adegboruwa had, on 28 July 2024, written to the police chief seeking police protection for the hunger protesters.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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