Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force forcibly dispersed a group of protesters gathered in front of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, disregarding a court order that restricted the demonstration to the stadium premises.
Recall the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had obtained a court injunction restricting protests in Abuja to the National Stadium.
However, when the protesters, exercising their right to freedom of assembly converged at the stadium on day three of the nationwide protests, they were met with tear gas and intimidation by security personnel.
The sudden crackdown left many demonstrators feeling frustrated and disappointed.
“We just wanted to make our voices heard, but they wouldn’t let us,” said Evelyn, a protester present at the scene. “It’s like they’re trying to silence us, but we won’t be quiet.”
Another protester, Tunde Oyedele, added, “We’re not troublemakers; we just want change. But every time we try to speak out, they shut us down. It’s like our voices don’t matter.”
When a Vanguard correspondent, who properly identified himself as a journalist, attempted to enter the stadium, security personnel denied access, stating, “Find your way out of here. You can’t park your vehicle inside the stadium either. There is no protest here. We were told there is not going to be a protest here anymore.”
This action contradicts the court order and raises questions about the security operatives’ authority.
