Akwa Ibom police arrest political coordinators during Uyo march

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested several individuals, including Obidient Movement coordinator Dr. Ben Smith and OK Movement coordinator Elijah Noah, during a planned political march in Uyo. The event, referred to as the ‘Two Million Man March’ in support of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, was disrupted after police issued directives to reschedule rallies due to security concerns.

Supporters and political leaders have condemned the arrests. Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, stated that the incident threatens constitutional rights to political expression and warned that such actions undermine democracy. The Obidient Movement has characterized the arrests as an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and has threatened nationwide protests if the detainees are not released unconditionally.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has denied allegations that firearms were discharged during the operation, asserting that personnel acted with professionalism and restraint. The police stated that eight individuals are in custody for allegedly causing a breach of public peace and disregarding security directives, and they maintained that the organizers had previously agreed to reschedule the event.