LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Ten Yoruba Nation agitators have been arrested by the men of the Lagos State Police Command on Sunday in Alausa, Lagos.
The State Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, shared photos of the Yoruba Nation agitators arrested before they could commence their protest on Sunday, 5 February, 2023.
In the images shared on Twitter, loaves of bread, a big pot, generators, party coolers, pepper and flags of the supposed Yoruba Nation were seized.
Hundeyin wrote: “Earlier today, a number of Yoruba Nation agitators commenced setting up camp at Alausa, planned to be used as base to launch a massive protest. Camp was promptly dislodged while agitators were arrested. Investigation continues at SCID. Lawlessness WILL NOT be tolerated!”
Hundeyin’s tweet didn’t sit well with some Nigerians who are of the opinion that it’s there fundamental right to agitate or protest while others applaud the state police for their swift response.
Reacting to the tweet, Festus Ogun, a constitutional lawyer said the arrest was illegal and demand they should be released immediately and unconditionally.
According to him: “This arrest is very illegal. Not alone is agitation for self-determination not a crime, to protest or plan to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed under Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution. They should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
Some tweeps like @dikaiosn1 agreed with Ogun’s tweet and wrote: “Thank you counsel,its shameful and contemptible for superior police office to jump off his bed to Twitter to share this just to play to the gallery a superior police officer is presumed to know the law,the proper offence and the punishment section and not to get public praise.”
Replying to @dikaiosn1, Festus Ogun said: “This madness will be challenged honestly. It has become almost a pattern. October 1, 2022 some protesters were violently dispersed by the Police in Lagos too. We will not allow such madness to continue in this country. We are not a conquered people, please.”
In the same vein, @oshogweogbolu said: “Planning to protest is not a crime, neither is agitating for Yoruba Nation”
Activist, @SavvyRinu dragged the Lagos PPR and said if not for bad government and lawlessness, who is he to tell Nigerians not to protest.
In her own words, “Lawlessness? If no be bad government wey give you mind, who are you to tell Nigerians protest will not be tolerated?”