The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed claims that police officers arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, Edo State, saying that the 52 suspects taken into custody were involved in criminal acts during the protest.
Egbetokun said this in an interview on Sunday, lamenting that the police are frequently blamed for incidents of violence that occur under the cover of protests even when they burn down police stations, murder policemen and steal arms.
He insisted that the police have no issue with peaceful demonstrations and would continue to protect citizens who choose to protest lawfully, stating that however, it would not tolerate criminality under the cover of protests.
Recall that Federal High Court in Edo State had remanded 52 protesters over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery, following the protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA.