JUST IN: Police Arrest Leaders Of April 7 Nationwide Protest

A peaceful protest in Abuja turned chaotic on Monday after police fired teargas at demonstrators calling for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and relief from economic hardship.

The protest, organised by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups, was part of a nationwide action against what participants described as growing authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ativists, including Bosede Imanah and social critic Flagboy, were among those arrested during the crackdown.

Demonstrators had gathered in the Federal Capital Territory, displaying placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe” before security operatives attacked, leading to injuries and a chaotic stampede.

It was observed the violent dispersal and reported that several protesters were wounded while trying to flee.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who was present at the scene, condemned the police action and reiterated support for the protest.

He tweeted, “The ignoble @PoliceNG officers were deployed and they attacked us during today’s #RepealTheCyberCrimeAct protest in Abuja. #EgbetokinMustGo #RevolutionNow”

The Take-It-Back Movement insisted the protest would go on as planned, describing it as a stand against the misuse of the Cybercrime Act, worsening economic hardship, and what they called a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.

The protest is tagged, “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Suppression of Free Speech.”