Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has requested a meeting with representatives of the Take-It-Back Movement and their lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. This meeting concerns the planned protest against economic hardship, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
The request was communicated in a letter dated July 29, 2024, with Ref. No CJ: 2400/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.1/10, obtained by SaharaReporters. The letter, addressed to Adegboruwa and signed by CP Johnson Q. Adenola, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, stated the meeting aims to further discuss the request for police protection during the protest.
Titled “Re: Notice Of Public Meetings/Rallies/Processions And Request For Police Coverage,” the letter was in response to a prior notification from Adegboruwa on behalf of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), which sought police protection to ensure the events’ peaceful execution.
The letter read, “I have the honour to convey the warm compliments of the Inspector-General of Police and acknowledge receipt of your letter A&C/RC/L-21/07/2024 dated 26th July, 2024 on the above underlined subject.
“I am to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.
“I am to also inform you that the Inspector-General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024 to deliberate further on your request.
“While looking forward to your attendance, accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Inspector-General of Police, please.”
Egbetokun had previously instructed all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to ensure the safety of protesters nationwide.
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, had officially notified the Inspector-General of Police of their plan to hold public meetings, rallies, and processions with other patriotic Nigerians and organizations. In a letter dated July 26, 2024, and received the same day, the group requested police protection for these events.
Adegboruwa’s letter referenced sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and section 83 of the Police Act, 2020. The latter states, “83 (1) The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order. (2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1): (a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws; (b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and (c) be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations. (4) Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilise personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”
The planned meetings, rallies, and processions are set for August 1-10, 2024, or potentially later, at locations including Eagle Square in Abuja, public spaces in the capital cities of all 36 states, and Headquarters of the 774 local government councils. Events will start at 8 am and continue uninterrupted until their conclusion. They may also extend to public highways and other areas of public access.
The letter concluded by requesting details of any police officer or team assigned to cover the events to harmonize plans and strategies and offered further contact for additional information or inquiries.