Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused the Nigeria Police Force of supporting individuals who disrupted a peaceful protest on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State capital.
According to Sowore, the protest was organized to promote democratic rights and highlight concerns about governance in Nigeria. He stated that organizers had formally notified police in advance through their legal representative.
"A letter had been written by a lawyer to the Commissioner of Police," Sowore explained. "It was not a request for permission to protest, but a reminder of the police's responsibility to protect citizens. It is disappointing that they failed in this duty and instead supported thugs who disrupted the protest."
Sowore claimed that despite prior assurances from the Commissioner of Police, no action was taken when the protest came under attack. In response to the incident, protest organizers have issued a warning of possible further action.
"The Commissioner had been warned. If nothing is done, we will return and assert our presence," he stated.
Police Deny Allegations
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has firmly denied any police involvement in the disruption, describing the claims as unfounded.
"With the level of training our officers have received both locally and internationally, I can assure the public that no policeman under my watch would collaborate with thugs," Afolabi said. "The allegation is baseless."
Human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, who was present at the event, confirmed that protest organizers had indeed sought police protection ahead of the demonstration. He condemned the attack and called for accountability from security agencies.
Sowore further alleged that the disruption was aimed at suppressing public expression. "Nobody has the right to stop another Nigerian from expressing their views," he added. "These hired individuals came to sabotage and attack peaceful demonstrators."
The incident occurred during what appears to be a June 12 Democracy Day protest, a date that traditionally sees demonstrations across Nigeria commemorating the country's return to democratic rule.
Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram
