The Ekiti State Police Command has placed a ban on protests and demonstrations in support of arrested human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi.
In a statement on Friday, Abutu Sunday, the police command’s spokesperson, said there is an “intelligence report” that some persons intend to unleash mayhem on the state under the guise of a protest.
Sunday urged parents to warn their children and wards against any act that is inimical to the peace of the state.
“In view of this, the command, in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and ensure the safety of lives and property of all and sundry, states that any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable,” the statement reads.
“Intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it and unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.
“Parents and Guardians are therefore implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the State, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The command has also placed a ban on the sales and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers in the State, as these are capable of causing security threat, distractions, unnecessary apprehension and health related issues.
“The use of the various fireworks at times creates panic and confusion as it could be difficult to differentiate their sounds from the real gunshot sound.”
The directive comes ahead of a plan by some activists to organise protest in some states, including Ekiti, over the arrest of Dele Farotimi.
Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has asked Nigerians to join a “nationwide/global protest” against the judiciary over the prosecution of the activist.
On Tuesday, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by officers attached to the Ekiti state police command over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
The arrest was connected to a petition written by Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Subsequently, the activist was arraigned on a 16-count charge at the Ekiti magistrate court over alleged defamation.
The court remanded Farotimi in prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application on December 10.
