The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a comprehensive ban on all forms of protests, gatherings, and demonstrations in the State, citing intelligence reports of potential hijacking by unscrupulous individuals.
This move comes ahead of the planned protest on Tuesday by activists demanding the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is being tried for allegedly defaming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola.
Farotimi is accused of authoring and publishing a book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” which alleged that Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment.
The magistrate court ordered his remand in prison, with his trial set to continue next Tuesday.
In response to the trial, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, has called for protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, December 10.
Sowore has been vocal in his support for Farotimi, condemning the trial as a gross infringement on the lawyer’s fundamental human rights.
The Ekiti police spokesman, Abutu Sunday, stated that the ban on protests is necessary to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and safeguard lives and property. He warned that anyone who violates this directive will be dealt with according to the law.
“The Command, under the leadership of CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, mni, is assuring everyone of adequate security during and after this Ember months period while seeking for more supports, collaboration and obedience to law and order,” Sunday said.
Additionally, the police have banned the use of fireworks in the state during the Yuletide period and beyond, citing potential security threats and health-related issues.
“The Command has also placed a ban on the sales and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers in the state, as these are capable of causing security threat, distractions, unnecessary apprehension and health-related issues,” the police said.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the police for stifling freedom of expression, while others support the ban as a necessary measure to maintain peace and order.
The Ekiti police have urged parents and guardians to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the State.