The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to ensure the protection of #EndBadGovernance protesters across the country.
This decision follows a formal request by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), who urged the police to safeguard the demonstrators.
In a letter dated July 29, 2024, signed by CP Johnson Adenola, the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Egbetokun instructed key police officials to prioritize the safety of protesters.
The directive was addressed to the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) overseeing Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) heading State Commands.
The letter stated:
“I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.”
Further emphasizing the importance of the directive, the letter also mentioned that the IGP wishes to meet with Adegboruwa at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to discuss the matter in greater detail.
This move by the IGP comes amidst heightened public concern over the safety of protesters and the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace during demonstrations.
