Police arrest OK Movement coordinator as Uyo Independence Day march is halted

Police in Akwa Ibom State arrested the coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and seven other people after stopping an Independence Day march in Uyo on Thursday. Elijah Noah was among supporters who gathered for the planned procession. The movement supports the presidential bid of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

A video reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES showed armed officers surrounding Noah, dragging him towards a police vehicle and forcing him inside. Witnesses said tear gas was used as officers dispersed supporters at Edet Akpan Avenue. The police denied using tear gas and said no firearm was discharged.

Police spokesperson Timfon John said the eight people were arrested for allegedly engaging in conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace and disregarding a security directive. She said they would be prosecuted if investigations established culpability. Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said the command had received intelligence suggesting that political gatherings could cause disturbances.

He said the police had initially approved activities requested by the Peoples Democratic Party from 1 to 3 October, but later asked organisers to reschedule after the OK Movement sought permission for a two-million-man march covering some of the same areas. Azare said organisers, including Noah, attended a meeting where they agreed to change the date. The police were therefore surprised when the march proceeded, he said.

He declined to disclose the intelligence behind the decision. The arrests drew criticism from Akwa Ibom NDC governorship candidate Michael Enyong, who called for the detainees’ release. Lawyer Ekemini Udim said police had a duty to protect peaceful assemblies rather than simply stop them.

The Obidient Movement said it had spent more than N20 million mobilising supporters.