Nigerian Police Activist Crackdown: Reports of Mass Arrests and Torture Before October 1 Protests

As Nigeria approaches October 1, new reports indicate that the Nigerian Police are intensifying efforts to suppress upcoming protests by targeting and arresting activists across the country. This Nigerian Police activist crackdown has raised alarm among human rights organizations, who warn that the actions taken by the authorities are a direct assault on civil liberties and freedom of expression.

Sources reveal that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to detain key activists and union leaders to thwart the planned nationwide demonstrations. Among those reportedly abducted is Mr. Adeyemi Abayomi, a known activist, who was forcibly taken into custody without any formal charges.

Reports indicate that detainees, including Mr. Abayomi, are being subjected to severe torture aimed at extracting false statements and implicating other activists. These forced confessions are being used by the police to justify further arrests as part of a broader Nigerian Police activist crackdown. Despite not being involved in the upcoming protests, several prominent figures have been named under duress, raising concerns about the extent of the police’s reach and their disregard for legal procedures.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has publicly condemned these actions. He emphasized that the planned protests on October 1 will proceed despite the government’s attempts to silence dissent. Sowore’s commitment to the movement highlights the growing resolve among activists to challenge what they perceive as an erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria.

In a related incident, sources disclosed that Mr. Abayomi was tortured for three days and coerced into falsely identifying fellow activists who frequent a local bookshop. This form of intimidation and the unlawful detention of individuals without access to legal representation underline the gravity of the situation. The Nigerian Police’s actions during this Nigerian Police activist crackdown have drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for an immediate investigation into the alleged human rights abuses.

This escalating crackdown has sparked fears that the Nigerian authorities are increasingly resorting to repressive measures to stifle any form of opposition. As October 1 approaches, the situation remains tense, with activists and citizens alike bracing for what could be a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle for good governance.

The crackdown has sparked fears that the Nigerian authorities are increasingly resorting to repressive measures to stifle any form of opposition, as the Nigerian Police activist crackdown continues to target those advocating for change. Mr. Abayomi’s ordeal, where he was reportedly tortured for three days, is a chilling reminder of the lengths to which the police are willing to go in order to suppress dissenting voices.