Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The protesters, primarily members of the Take It Back Movement, had arrived at the venue as early as 9 am but were met by a heavy police presence. Despite notifying the police command of their planned demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025, trouble began when police operatives at the venue ordered the protesters to relocate.
The demonstrators, who said their protest was against economic hardship, abuse of the Cybercrime Act, and the sack of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, refused to move and broke into solidarity chants before marching toward the popular Aba Express Road.
Policemen responded by chasing and beating some of the protesters, including journalists covering the event. Officers later fired multiple teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, forcing protesters to flee in different directions for safety.
The protesters emphasized that their gathering was peaceful and aimed at expressing grievances without any intent to incite violence. “We are not here for violence,” one protester stated. Their demands included the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which they argue has been used as a tool to stifle dissent, journalism, and free speech.
Similar protests were reported in Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State. In Ibadan, young Nigerians gathered peacefully at the busy Iwo Road area, holding placards and chanting solidarity songs despite a heavy police presence. One protester, speaking passionately during a viral TikTok livestream, urged Nigerians to defend their freedom of speech, warning that losing the right to express dissent would erode democracy.
In Lagos, protesters stormed major streets with placards bearing bold messages. One placard read: “Any law that forbids us from speaking truth against oppression in Nigeria is no longer a law but shackles of slavery.” Protesters in Lagos similarly decried what they described as growing censorship and oppression.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in Ondo State has warned residents against participating in any Take It Back Movement protest. The warning, contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, cited credible intelligence suggesting the planned protest could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
Olushola acknowledged citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly but emphasized that the timing of such a protest was “highly inopportune” given the prevailing security challenges in the state.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, had directed all area commanders, tactical team commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify personnel and operational asset deployment across public spaces and critical infrastructure to maintain peace and order.
Olushola urged the leadership of the Take It Back Movement and other groups to embrace constructive dialogue, warning that any street protest might escalate tensions. He also advised parents and guardians to discourage their children from engaging in activities that could disrupt public peace.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding their fundamental rights and freedoms, encouraging everyone to go about their lawful activities without fear and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
