Police command in Ekiti has banned protests and unlawful gatherings in the state over people’s security.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ekiti police spokesman, Abutu Sunday announced this through a statement released on Friday.
Sunday said the command has received an “intelligence report” that some persons intend to unleash mayhem on the state under the guise of a protest.
The spokesman urged parents to warn their children and wards against any act that is inimical to the peace of the state.
The statement reads, “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.”
“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 threats, 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 protests in some states, including Ekiti over Dele Farotimi’s arrest.
Recall that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by officers attached to Ekiti state police command over alleged defamation and cyberbullying on Tuesday.
The arrest was connected to a petition written by Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The activist was arraigned on a 16-count charge at Ekiti magistrate court over alleged defamation.
The court remanded Farotimi in prison custody pending hearing of his bail application on December 10.
