The Traffic

Activist Arrested Ahead of Anti-Police Protest: Inside the Drama Over Planned Demonstration Against IGP Egbetokun

By Achimi muktar

In a dramatic turn of events, armed police officers on Sunday night apprehended activist Henry Nwodo in the Ruga-Fulani village area of Jahi 2, Abuja. The arrest came on the eve of a planned protest against alleged police harassment and extortion, sparking outrage and raising questions about freedom of expression in Nigeria.

The Arrest

Eyewitnesses reported that Mr. Nwodo, a member of the Take It Back Movement and an organizer of the #OccupyPoliceHQ protest, was intercepted around 8:30 p.m. while purchasing dinner at the local market. According to an onlooker, Miss Rose, five armed officers descended on him, beating him as he resisted arrest, confiscating his phone, and forcing him into an unmarked black car.

“The car had no number plates and had been parked there for hours, seemingly waiting for him,” said Emiola Osifeso, Mr. Nwodo’s housemate. “Residents suspect vigilante officers tipped off the police.”

The Planned Protest

The #OccupyPoliceHQ demonstration was scheduled for Monday at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The protest aimed to highlight allegations of widespread police extortion and harassment of Nigerian citizens.

The campaign gained momentum after a viral video surfaced, showing alleged extortion by officers at a Lagos checkpoint. Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who shared the video, became a key figure in the movement, calling for accountability from law enforcement.

Police Summons Sowore

Coinciding with Mr. Nwodo's arrest, Mr. Sowore is set to appear before the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Department on Monday. The invitation, officially tied to charges ranging from cyberstalking to disobedience of lawful orders, has been seen by many as a calculated effort to intimidate the activist.

“The PoliceNG⁩ invitation has arrived,” Mr. Sowore confirmed on social media, sharing the official letter. He added, “I will be there on Monday as requested.”

The letter detailed an investigation into multiple charges, including “acts intended to cause grievous harm,” “refusal to assist a public servant,” and “cyberstalking,” among others. It also noted Mr. Sowore’s right to legal representation during the interview.

Public Reactions

News of Mr. Nwodo’s arrest and Mr. Sowore’s summons has drawn widespread criticism, with activists and civil society organizations accusing the police of suppressing dissent.

“This is a clear attempt to silence voices advocating for accountability,” said a representative from the Take It Back Movement. “Mr. Nwodo’s arrest is unjust, and we demand his immediate release.”

Uncertain Outcomes

The situation remains tense as both the planned protest and Mr. Sowore’s police appearance loom. While the police have not made an official statement about Mr. Nwodo’s arrest, the incident underscores the challenges activists face in their fight against perceived injustices.

As Nigeria grapples with questions of governance and human rights, all eyes are now on Monday’s events. Will the protest proceed despite the apparent crackdown, or will the weight of the state stifle yet another attempt at reform?