Police Teargas Protesters In Port Harcourt As Take It Back Movement Demonstrates Against Hardship, Cybercrime Act

Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Police operatives on Monday used teargas to disperse members of the Take It Back Movement and other civil rights groups who staged a protest at Boro Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The protesters, who converged early in the morning, said they were demonstrating against worsening economic hardship, alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act, and the controversial sack of the Rivers State governor.

Tension flared when security operatives at the venue ordered the protesters to relocate.

The group resisted the directive, citing a formal notice sent to the police command in a letter dated April 3, 2025, notifying authorities of their intention to hold a peaceful protest.

As the demonstrators began chanting solidarity songs and marching towards the Aba Expressway, police officers reportedly pursued and beat some of them, including journalists covering the protest.

Multiple rounds of teargas were fired to break up the crowd, sending protesters scrambling for safety.

In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command on Monday issued a strong warning against similar protests by the Take It Back Movement.

In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olushola, cited credible intelligence about a planned protest in the state.

While reaffirming citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, the command described the timing of the planned protest as “highly inopportune,” given the current security challenges in the state.

“The effort of the command is to stabilise the security situation across the state, and we are concerned that such a gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

“This could lead to a breakdown of law and order, thus rolling back the security gains we have collectively achieved in Ondo State.

“We, therefore, urge the leadership of the ‘Take It Back Movement’, their supporters, and other interest groups to embrace constructive dialogue as a means of addressing grievances.

“If they take to the streets in such a manner, it may heighten tensions and heat up the polity,” he said.

Olushola explained that the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, had directed all area commanders, tactical team commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPO’s) to intensify the deployment of personnel.

The PPRO said Afolabi also directed the deployment of operational assets to all identified public spaces and critical infrastructure to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

According to him, the command reassures the good people of Ondo State of its unwavering commitment to safeguard their fundamental rights and freedom.

He, therefore, called on parents and guardians to dissuade their wards from engaging in acts that could disrupt the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

“The general public is hereby encouraged to go about their lawful business without fear, as adequate security measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety and protection of all citizens.

“Also, the command urges residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or any other security agency nearest to them,” he said.