The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos state command, has said that it has launched a manhunt for three persons who allegedly partook in a protest in 2020, which, according to the force, was anti-government.
The trio were said to have caused major confrontations that escalated between the protesters and men of the Nigerian police force who were deployed to the protest area to calm the situation.
According to the force, the trio of Thankgod Chibundu, Arinze Chukwuma, and others are still at large but are wanted in connection with the alleged involvement in the said protest that took place on 20th of January, 2020, at Cele Ijesha, Lagos State.
The police said the protest, which saw a very large turnout, was organized to oppose government policies and quickly escalated into confrontations between protesters and members of the Nigeria Police.
In a statement by the force, it said Mark is wanted on allegations that he participated in an illegal and violent gathering, incited others, caused property damage, resisted arrest, and engaged in encounters with law enforcement officials.
It asserted that a substantial portion of the unrest, which resulted in property destruction, altercations with police, and traffic blockades, was caused by Mark, Arinze Chukwuma, and other individuals who are still at large. The suspects were still at large as of the publishing date, and authorities are requesting information from the public that may help in the capture of these individuals.
The protest had become illegal, according to authorities, when participants ignored many orders to leave and instead damaged property owned by the public. Mark, Arinze, and other parties are going to be held fully accountable by the law for their actions in the disturbance, according to the Police.
The government also expressed concern over the increasing frequency of protests and has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order, while calling for citizens to express their grievances lawfully.
Divergent views have been expressed by the public regarding the demonstration, the manhunt that followed for Mark and Arinze, and other protest participants.
Protest organisers contend that the participants were expressing their freedom of speech and assembly. Concerns have been raised by several residents, though, over the violence that broke out during the demonstration.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the case, with some questioning whether the charges against the ‘suspects’ align with the constitutionally protected right to peaceful assembly.
The Police are working harder to find the suspects while the inquiry goes on. One of the investigators, who spoke to our reporter anonymously, believes that the suspects are still in the nation and may be hiding in some outlying areas. Authorities are promising the public that their name will be kept private and are pleading with anyone with information to come forward.
The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for how future protests are handled by both authorities and activists. For now, the public remains divided on whether the suspects are criminals or freedom fighters.
