Police arrest eight, disperse Obi-Kwankwaso march in Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested eight people on Thursday and dispersed supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement during a planned Independence Day march in Uyo.
The arrests followed the movement’s decision to proceed with its proposed two-million-man march despite a police directive asking political groups to reschedule activities planned for October 1 over security concerns.
*Mohammed Azare
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested eight people on Thursday and dispersed supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement during a planned Independence Day march in Uyo.
The arrests followed the movement’s decision to proceed with its proposed two-million-man march despite a police directive asking political groups to reschedule activities planned for October 1 over security concerns.
The police said the eight suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and disregarding security directives.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that the command had met with representatives of the movement before the march and advised them to choose another date.
According to him, the police had also received an earlier request from the Peoples Democratic Party for an Independence Day rally in Uyo, while the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement applied later to hold its own procession on the same day.
He said, “The People Democratic Party (PDP) had on 9 September 2026 applied to the police for permission for their rally in Uyo during the Independence Day. Just on 28 September 2026, OK Movement also applied for permission to use Uyo for their 2-million-man match.”
Azare added that the police were concerned about their ability to provide adequate security for the large crowds expected at the separate events.
He said representatives of the movement agreed in writing to defer their march but later proceeded with the procession on Thursday.
The development came a day after the police directed all political parties, groups and associations in Akwa Ibom to reschedule rallies, meetings, processions and other political activities planned for October 1.
The command said the directive followed intelligence indicating that some individuals might exploit the gatherings to cause disturbances and threaten public peace.
Azare also denied reports that police officers fired shots or used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
“We did not shoot a bullet or use tear-gas canisters. It is a rumour for those saying this,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, similarly said no shooting occurred during the operation.
In a statement on Thursday, John said: “No shooting incident was recorded in connection with the incident under reference. Police personnel deployed to maintain law and order acted with professionalism and restraint, and no firearm was discharged by police officers during the operation.”
She added that no gunshot injury had been recorded or reported to the command.
“However, eight persons were arrested in connection with acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and for allegedly disregarding lawful security directives,” she said.
The PPRO said the suspects were assisting the police with ongoing investigations and that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
She added that Azare had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and other operational personnel across the state to remain vigilant while maintaining peace with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.
The Commissioner also warned that while the command would continue to protect lawful civic activities, no individual or group would be allowed to use any gathering as a cover to cause violence, intimidate residents or disrupt public order.
However, the movement’s supporters have disputed the police account.
Mr Ndubuisi Okafor, a member of the Vanguard for Democracy and Rules of Law in Nigeria, criticised the arrests, arguing that peaceful assembly is protected by the Nigerian Constitution and that the police should provide security for lawful gatherings rather than arrest participants merely for failing to obtain police permission.
Nigerian legal guidance also distinguishes between notifying authorities about an assembly and obtaining police permission. The right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally protected, while restrictions must have a lawful basis and meet applicable requirements.
The conflicting accounts over the Uyo incident leave two issues distinct: the police maintain that the arrests were linked to alleged breaches of public order and disregard of security directives, while critics contend that peaceful assembly should not depend on prior police approval.
The police have urged residents to remain calm and disregard unverified reports capable of creating fear and tension.
