Lawyer Urges IGP to Ensure Police Don’t Disrupt Peaceful Protests

In response to growing economic hardship and insecurity, a nationwide protest is being planned by some Nigerians. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has written to Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging protection for the protesters.

In his letter on Friday, Mr. Effiong emphasized that peaceful protests are lawful in Nigeria and should be safeguarded by the country’s security agencies.

Legal Backing for the Protest

The Nigerian security agencies have expressed intentions to prevent the protest. In response, Mr. Effiong highlighted the legal protections for peaceful assembly under Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

He argued that fears of potential breaches of peace, cited by law enforcement, are addressed within the criminal code, which provides sanctions for any breakdown of law and order, negating the need for permits to hold meetings and rallies in a democratic society.

Mr. Effiong also referenced Section 83(4) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and Section 91(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, both of which obligate the police to provide security for any notified meetings, rallies, or processions. Additionally, he cited a 2008 Court of Appeal ruling in the case between the IGP and the All Nigeria Peoples Party, which upheld the right to protest without hindrance.

Call for Police to Protect, Not Disrupt

Mr. Effiong called on the IGP to instruct all police commissioners and relevant departments to ensure adequate security for the protesters, stating that the police’s role is to facilitate, not suppress, constitutional rights.

“We request that you issue a directive to all commissioners of police across the states of the federation and Abuja, and all relevant departments under your supervision to provide adequate security for the protesters, as they will be exercising their constitutional rights,” he wrote.

He further reminded the IGP of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which mandates the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, and warned that any form of violence or intimidation against protesters would constitute a criminal offense under the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.

Mr. Effiong concluded by urging the IGP to uphold his commitment to the rule of law and resist any actions that would infringe on the democratic rights of the protesters.