The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced today that all street demonstrations have been banned after a wave of #EndSARS protests in the city due to police brutality.
This was disclosed in a statement by the FCTA’s Security committee on Thursday, after a meeting with various security personnel based in Abuja, and chaired by the FCT Minister, Muhammed Bello.
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FCTA PRESS RELEASE
COVID-19: FCT SECURITY COMMITTEE PROHIBITS STREET DEMONSTRATIONS pic.twitter.com/XXsqWBH4FP
— Official FCTA (@OfficialFCTA) October 15, 2020
Backstory
Nairametrics had earlier reported that despite the FG scrapping SARS, many protesters were still out in Abuja protesting over cases of assault, illegal arrest, extortion, brutality, and killing of peaceful protesters by members of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
READ: #EndSARS: Acts of Police brutality must stop – Lagos State Government
FCTA said the committee noted the directive of the IG of Police that dissolves SARS across the 36 States of the Federation including the FCT and is satisfied with the FG’s response to reducing police brutality in the nation.
“However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the announcement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #EndSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law abiding citizens.
READ: #EndSARS: Lagos sets up N200 million fund for victims of police brutality
“Demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols, which were put in place to safeguard the lives of the citizens,” FCTA stated.
The Committee urged for cooperation with residents of the FCT to obey all regulations this period as schools reopen in the FCT.
Nigeria has truly become a jungle where fundamental rights of people are encroached and expected to be quiet. You cannot prohibit protest,you can only regulate it. The protesters have the right to protest and therefore, this illegal prohibition must be contested and tested in court of competent jurisdiction. We say no to slavery and reject oppression.
Fcta does not have the right to ban protesters. This is so funny, when does a government department have the right to ban a protest. This is hilarious