There is tension today in Abuja over the planned protest for the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Founder and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoleye Sowore, had mobilized Nigerians, especially traders, to come out in their numbers to protest against the continued detention of Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).

However, the Nigeria Police Force has warned intending protesters agitating for the release of Kanu against any form of protest around the Aso Rock Villa and its environs.

Separate groups have planned protests today for and against the release of Kanu.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in Abuja explained that the warning was sequel to an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining any form of protest around the Presidential Villa and its surroundings.

According to the FPRO, the court, in a suit between the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, on October 17, restrained the respondents and any other persons or groups acting on their instructions from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs.

“Other areas are: the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.

“Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order.”

He said the police force would ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and properties and security of all law-abiding citizens.

According to him, any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.

He said offenders would be arrested, subjected to full investigation and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws, including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable.

Hundeyin said those who incite others via social media or other platforms would be investigated and prosecuted, using digital evidence.

He said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the court’s order.

Hundeyin said the IGP had directed the CP to maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.

He urged organisers of the protest and participants to avoid the restricted areas specified by the court and refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law.

Hundeyin also urged the protesters to channel their grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.

He said adequate security arrangements had been made to protect lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians.

He enjoined those, not engaging in the protest to go about their lawful businesses without fear as anyone found to be in breach of the court’s order or in contempt of the law and be arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command, has cautioned protesters to desist from vandalising Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the territory during today’s protests.

The Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, called on citizens, in support or against the planned rallies, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.

“The corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities all in the name of protest,” he said.

He said that the corps had massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protests.

“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to the peace in the territory.

“The deployed men were drawn from the special forces of the corps and they have been properly briefed on the precautions to adhere to during the rally.”

Odumosu said personnel had been warned to avoid accidental discharge, harassment or intimidation of anyone as no indiscipline or over-zealousness will be condoned.

He further urged the deployed men to be civil by adopting the non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the corps.

The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the proposed peaceful protests to desist as anyone caught with criminal intentions will be arrested and dealt with according to the extant laws. (The Sun)