The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly directed the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to arrest activists and union leaders in a bid to thwart the planned nationwide protests scheduled for October 1, 2024.
The protests, led by the #RevolutionNow Movement, aim to address issues of bad governance in Nigeria.
Sahara Reporters quoted sources confirming that the IRT has already begun detaining activists, including Mr Adeyemi Abayomi, who was allegedly abducted by IRT operatives without formal charges.
Reports indicate that Mr. Abayomi was tortured for three days and forced to make false statements implicating other activists.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have raised alarms over the crackdown, condemning the actions of the Nigerian Police Force as a violation of civil liberties and freedom of expression.
The aggressive tactics, including the denial of legal representation and the seizure of personal property, have sparked widespread concern.
The nationwide protests, set to begin on October 1, are intended to continue the momentum of the #EndBadGovernance movement, with activists demanding better governance and accountability from public officials.
Despite the crackdown, the #RevolutionNow Movement has vowed to press on with their planned demonstrations.
