SOWORE accuses police of disrupting peaceful protest in Akure

Friday, June 13, 2025 - A former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of supporting individuals who disrupted a peaceful protest on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to Sowore, the protest was organised to promote democratic rights and draw attention to concerns surrounding governance in Nigeria.

He stated that the group formally notified the police in advance through a letter submitted by their legal representative.

He stated that the communication was not to seek permission, but to remind law enforcement of their constitutional duty to safeguard peaceful protesters.

“A letter had been written by a lawyer to the Commissioner of Police,” Sowore said. “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,” he alleged.

He added that although the Commissioner of Police had previously given assurances, no action was taken when the protest was reportedly attacked.

Sowore stated that the protest organisers had issued a warning in response to the incident, suggesting further action could follow.

“The Commissioner had been warned. If nothing is done, we will return and assert our presence,” he said.

Sowore also 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.”

Human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, who was also present, confirmed that the protest organisers had sought police protection ahead of the event. He condemned the attack and called for accountability from security agencies.

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, denied any involvement by the police in the disruption. He described 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.”