Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired teargas at protesters gathered at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The protesters, primarily members of the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ were greeted by a heavy police presence when they gathered at the protest venue as early as 9 am.
The attack was confirmed by the South-South regional coordinator of the Take It Back Movement during a phone interview with SaharaReporters on Monday morning.
“Yes, it’s true. Some of our guys were attacked by the police. I’m trying to assess the situation. I will get back to you,” he told SaharaReporters.
It was learnt that policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them, including journalists reporting the event.
The protesters had earlier informed the police that they had notified the police command of their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
One of the protesters had told reporters that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government. “We are not here for violence,” he had said.
The demonstrators listed some of their grievances including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara
When contacted, River State Police Command Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said she would get back.
“Please, I will get back to you,” the police spokesperson told SaharaReporters.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that similar protests are also ongoing in Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State.
The protesters, mostly youths and members of a pro-democracy group, TakeItBack Movement, argued the law has become a weapon in the hands of government authorities to silence dissent, stifle journalism, and criminalise free speech.
The protests, monitored live by SaharaReporters, saw energetic crowds wielding placards and chanting solidarity songs in defiance of what they described as a “systematic erosion of constitutional rights.”
The demonstration in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, took place at the ever-busy Iwo Road, where young Nigerians gathered peacefully despite a heavy police presence.
“We should not allow anybody to take away our freedom of speech. Freedom of expression,” a passionate protester declared in a viral TikTok livestream.
“Because the moment they succeed, they take away our voices. They take away the right to ask questions. They take away the right to challenge injustice. This is why we urge all Nigerians to join this protest,” he added.
While officers of the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at protest sites ostensibly to maintain law and order, activists say their presence served as an intimidation tactic rather than protection.
In Lagos, similar scenes unfolded. Protesters stormed major streets with boldly written placards, making their stand against tyranny and censorship clear.
One of the placards read: “Any law that forbids us from speaking truth against oppression in Nigeria is no longer a law but shackles of slavery.”
Source: Sahara Reporters