The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a comprehensive ban on ‘illegal’ gatherings and protests, specifically targeting a planned demonstration in support of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The ban comes just days before a scheduled protest organized by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate.
Farotimi, currently on trial at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court, faces allegations of defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola.
The lawyer is accused of authoring a book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” which allegedly claims Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure fraudulent judgments.
Police Spokesman Abutu Sunday, a deputy superintendent, issued a stark warning: “Any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable as intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it and unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.”
Sowore had called for protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, 10 December, coinciding with Farotimi’s bail application hearing.
However, the police command, led by CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, moved swiftly to prevent potential unrest.
Beyond protest restrictions, the police also announced a ban on fireworks during the Yuletide season.
“The use of various fireworks at times creates panic and confusion as it could be difficult to differentiate their sounds from real gunshot sounds,” the statement explained.
The command urged residents to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call 08062335577.
Parents and guardians were specifically implored to advise their wards against actions that might disrupt state peace and security.
“Anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the police statement warned, underscoring the seriousness of their prohibition on protests and fireworks.
