The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong warning against a planned nationwide protest by the “Take It Back Movement,” describing the timing of the demonstration as “ill-timed and mischievous.”
In an official press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF expressed concern over the motive behind the protest scheduled for Monday, April 7 — the same day declared by the Federal Government as National Police Day. The day is set aside to celebrate the resilience and dedication of police officers and is expected to host dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign police chiefs and diplomats.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, the Police described the planned demonstration as “a deliberate and unpatriotic act” aimed at tarnishing the image of the Police institution and Nigeria as a whole. The Force, therefore, called on the organizers to shelve the protest and seek dialogue through proper channels.
However, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the Revolution Now movement, Omoyele Sowore, responded defiantly, rejecting the Police’s appeal and insisting the protest will proceed as planned.
Sowore, in a statement shared on social media Sunday evening, described the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as “illegal,” claiming his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is “unjust and scandalous.” He accused the IGP of employing diversionary tactics to deflect attention from controversies surrounding his tenure.
“It is the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of illegal Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their program,” Sowore stated. “No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment.”
He went further to demand the IGP’s retirement, insisting that Egbetokun had reached the mandatory 35 years of service and should have exited the force accordingly.
“Nigeria needs a new police force, not one headed by a spent force IGP. Regardless, tomorrow’s protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!” he declared.
As the country braces for what could be a volatile day of action and response, all eyes are on how the government and security agencies will handle the unfolding situation.
