Nigerian protesters defied police warnings on Monday and took to the streets in four major cities to voice their anger over recent government actions, including the controversial Cybercrime Act, political developments in Rivers State, and worsening economic conditions.
Although the protests remained peaceful in Lagos, Ibadan, and Osogbo, security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Abuja and Port Harcourt, leading to chaos and forcing many to flee.
Protesters Demand Justice and Accountability
Organised by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil groups, protesters marched with placards bearing messages such as:
“Stop the Repression”
“Let Us Breathe”
“Oworonshoki Illegal Demolition: We Demand Compensation for Over 10,000 Victims”
“Any Law That Forbids Us from Speaking Our Truth Against Oppression Is a Shackle of Slavery”
Their demands included the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, an end to forceful demolitions in low-income communities, release of detained protesters in Abuja, Yobe, and Gombe, and a halt to what they call an unconstitutional emergency rule in Rivers State. They also demanded urgent action to solve Nigeria’s economic crisis.
Police Clash with Protesters in Abuja
In Abuja protesters assembled around the National Universities Commission (NUC) area in Maitama. They planned to march to the National Assembly, but security operatives restricted them and eventually used tear gas to break up the crowd.
Our reporter observed a police helicopter hovering over the protest site from 10 a.m., while the Three Arms Zone was heavily secured due to the National Police Day celebration.
Prominent political activist Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju joined the Abuja protest. Despite the tear gas, the leaders insisted their cause was just and timely.
“The government wants to silence Nigerians, but we must speak up against poverty, injustice, and abuse of power,” said one protest leader who declined to be named.
Some residents called for restraint from security agencies, urging peaceful dialogue instead of violence.
Tension and Tear Gas in Port Harcourt
In Port Harcourt, the protest began at Isaac Boro Park, where demonstrators gathered peacefully before moving toward Aba Express Road.
The police initially asked the crowd to disperse. When they refused and began chanting solidarity songs, officers responded with tear gas at the CFC roundabout, causing both protesters and journalists to run for safety.
Over 15 patrol vans and a mix of police and military officers were deployed to monitor the situation.
Despite the chaos, organisers remained defiant.
Amanye King, the Rivers State coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, declared: “We want the repeal of the Cybercrime Act. We are also protesting the unconstitutional removal of our elected governor and the State House of Assembly. The current government in Rivers State is not for the people.”
Peaceful March in Lagos Despite Low Turnout
In Lagos, the protest began early at Ikeja Underbridge. Wearing orange berets, the protesters marched through Awolowo Way and Allen Avenue, finally arriving at the State House of Assembly in Alausa.
The turnout was modest, but the protest remained peaceful. Police officers guided the demonstrators to ensure the roads stayed open for vehicles and pedestrians.
Sanyaolu Juwon, the national coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, criticized the Lagos State government.
Juwon said, “We are here to resist all the bad policies. Just like Rivers, Lagos has no functioning government. It has gone on permanent recess.”
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Ibadan Protesters Denounce Cybercrime Act
In Ibadan, Oyo State, around 50 protesters—mostly members of the African Action Congress (AAC)—gathered at Rose Wale Filling Station in Iwo Road before marching toward the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Police patrols were stationed around the area, but no violence was reported.
Dimeji Salako, the state coordinator of the movement, addressed the group, “The Cybercrime Act has become a weapon against the people. Instead of protecting us, it’s being used to silence activists, journalists, and opposition voices.”
Kayode Babayomi, the state chairman of AAC, added: “We are here to reject laws that punish Nigerians for speaking the truth. The Cybercrime Act must go.”
Despite the demonstration, business activities in Ibadan continued normally, and there was no sign of panic among residents.
In Osogbo, Osun State capital, protesters also took to the streets. However, the turnout was low, and there were no reports of violence.
Meanwhile, the Northern Youth Council distanced itself from the protests. The group said it would rather focus on promoting peace and unity in the country.
Organisers say they will not be discouraged by police actions in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The Take-It-Back Movement and its allies vowed to continue pressing for justice, free speech, and better governance.
A protester in Lagos said, “We will not stop. As long as Nigerians are suffering, we will keep speaking out.”