The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned against planned protests across various states of the federation, most especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, scheduled to hold today, Monday, April 7, 2025, by a group called ‘Take It Back Movement’.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of TIB, said the core demands of the protesters include the repeal of the cybercrime Act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers State, which the group described as a “form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”.
But the police authorities, which said April 7 is a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, noted that the choice of the same day for protests by the group was pregnant with ulterior motives.
A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, said while the NPF was not against the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the constitution, the Nigeria Police Force was deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of their police institution, the Nigerian government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.
The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is illtimed and mischievous.
“The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organisers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands,” the police spokesman stated.
IGP Withdraws Invitation To Emir Sanusi
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.
However, Egbetokun has directed the Kano State Command of the force to obtain Sanusi’s statement regarding the incident.
The police chief issued the directive through the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The Emir had been summoned over an alleged murder during last Sunday’s Sallah festivities in Kano.
The incident occurred after Emir Sanusi returned home from Eid prayers. He had gone to the Eid prayer ground on foot but returned to the palace riding a horse.
According to Adejobi, the withdrawal of the invitation was due to the intervention of certain stakeholders in the country.
He also stated that the decision aligned with the police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated, on the instructions of the IGP, to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
“The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition involving a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city accompanied by his people.
“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West, who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State government.
It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety, and neither of the disputed Emirs would ride on horseback on Sallah day.
“Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi, who had attended the Eid prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes.
“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured.
This was a situation the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by sending emissaries to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism, including the investigation of this incident.
“All individuals found culpable will, in due course, be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made, prompting the invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
“The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”