Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has clarified that police officers did not arrest peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, Edo State, amid public outcry following recent detentions.
Speaking on the sixth episode of Crime Buster with Desmond over the weekend, Egbetokun explained that the 52 individuals in custody were apprehended for looting shops and vandalising the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, not for participating in peaceful demonstrations.
The arrests had sparked backlash, particularly from the parents of students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), after the suspects were remanded to Ubiaja Prisons by the Edo State High Court in Benin City.
“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,” Egbetokun said.
He stressed that the police remain supportive of lawful demonstrations: “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. 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. We will protect you.”
According to the IGP, reports indicate that the arrested suspects were involved in criminal acts, not peaceful expression, and he debunked claims that the police had detained demonstrators exercising their right to protest.
