#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Obey court order on venue restriction, Kwara police tell protesters

The Kwara State Police Command has cautioned those intending to join the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to adhere to the recent court order that limits the protest to Metropolitan Square, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, the state capital.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, the Command emphasized that this warning is essential to prevent the protest from being taken over by miscreants, as has occurred in other states.

“The protests in states such as Niger, Borno, Kano, and Yobe have been hijacked, leading to the loss of lives and properties,” the statement said. “Citizens wishing to exercise their rights must comply with the recent court ruling in the state.”

The statement also specified that the General Post Office and other locations, aside from the court-designated Metropolitan Square, are not suitable for rallies or protests.

“We urge all groups to follow the court ruling, which stipulates that protests must take place at the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Road. The Post Office is not an approved location for such gatherings,” it added.

Additionally, the police encouraged protest leaders to meet with the state Commissioner of Police to discuss security measures to ensure the safety of participants.

“We also request that protest leaders meet with the Commissioner of Police to strategize on security measures and ensure the safety of all participants. Your cooperation is essential for maintaining public order and safety in the state,” the statement concluded.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 reports that a Kwara State Magistrates Court has restricted the organizers of the August 1-10 hunger protest to Metropolitan Square in Ilorin. Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Chief Magistrate Jibril Salihu concurred with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman, that such a protest could potentially lead to violence if protesters are given free rein.