Scores of protesters gathered at the National Communications Commission in Abuja on Monday to voice their discontent over what they described as worsening economic conditions, digital repression, and poor welfare for police personnel in Nigeria.
The protest led by Nigerian politician and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, alongside lawyer and fellow activist Deji Adeyanju, formed part of a larger, nationwide demonstration organised by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups.
Demonstrators held placards with inscriptions such as “Censorship kills creativity, let us breathe #UnmuteMe”, “I am a TikToker, I’m not a bandit”, “Arresting critics won’t fix your bad governance”, and “When law becomes a tool of oppression, unite to repeal it”.
During the protest, the protesters alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the country’s growing economic challenges, ongoing crises in Rivers State, and what the organisers called a dire need for better treatment of police officers.
In a live Facebook broadcast from the scene, police officers were seen attempting to stop the peaceful match, with Sowore and others pushing back against the disruption.
While addressing the crowd, Sowore said, “We are here today because we will not accept laws that constrain our fundamental human rights. The police were aware of our march today. They said they had their own program, but we told them it cannot override the voice of the people.”
He criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and accused the administration of stifling dissent and being detached from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“While we are here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit back while an absentee president censors our rights,” Sowore stated.
He also called for unity between the police and the citizens, and highlighted the irony in police suppression of protesters fighting for better welfare for officers.
“Nigerian police are the worst paid in the world, yet they continue to oppress those who speak for them. We won’t accept that anymore,” he said
The protest took aim that the Inspector General of Police, who the activists claim has overstayed the statutory age limit.
“The IGP leading the program at Eagle Square today is illegal. He must leave after turning 60. Nobody can stop a Nigerian whose time has come,” Sowore added.
Similar protests were reported in Lagos and Port Harcourt, with organisers promising more actions in the coming weeks.
“This is just a rehearsal,” Sowore said, adding that “A time will come when Nigerians will come out en masse and no one can stop them.”
The organisers however said they will continue to push for reforms and accountability through sustained civic action.
