By Onilede Titi Faith
Civil rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has accused the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary of undermining citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest, saying Nigeria is “only pretending to be a democracy.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Farotimi said citizens do not need police approval to hold protests, stressing that the police should provide protection, not authorisation.
He condemned the police’s use of force to disperse Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a violation of democratic norms.
“It’s unheard of that citizens in a democracy must seek permission from their employees, the police to gather peacefully,” he said, accusing the judiciary of enabling executive control.
Farotimi also referenced the EndSARS movement, arguing that security reforms in Nigeria remain superficial.
However, Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin defended the action, saying officers enforced a valid court order restricting protests around sensitive government areas.
