A dramatic scene unfolded at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday during the #PoliceProtest, when a police officer allegedly acting on the directives of senior officers snatched the medicated glasses of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore had shown up at the protest in a show of solidarity with retired police officers who were demanding improved welfare packages, including better pensions and salaries for both active and retired personnel of the force.
According to eyewitness accounts, the activist was standing near the main gate of the Force Headquarters when a uniformed policeman walked up to him abruptly, yanked off his glasses, and disappeared into the main building, leaving protesters stunned.
The act immediately drew the ire of the protesters, which included retired officers, civil rights advocates, and members of various civic organizations. They began chanting and demanding that the officer return Sowore’s eyeglasses without delay, describing the incident as both shameful and provocative.
Reacting to the incident, Sowore expressed little surprise, saying the action was likely a calculated attempt by the police leadership to intimidate and silence him at the protest ground.
“It was an outright theft. We’ve even managed to obtain footage showing the police officer who took it,” Sowore stated.
“These are the same police officers who steal pensions and salaries—now they’re stealing eyeglasses. This is what they’ve been reduced to. Thieves in uniform,” he added.
Despite heavy rain, the protesters remained steadfast, refusing to leave the premises of the Force Headquarters until Sowore’s prescription glasses are returned.
They also turned down refreshments—bottled water and soft drinks—that were offered to them by police officials, viewing it as an attempt to pacify or distract them from their demands.
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