The Take It Back (TIB) movement on Monday launched its nationwide protests, beginning with a major demonstration in Lagos, to condemn the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
EpeInsights reports that the Nigeria Police Force had issued a warning to the organisers, urging them to shelve the planned demonstrations and instead pursue dialogue with relevant government institutions.
The police expressed concerns over potential disruptions to public peace and safety, especially given the tense political climate.
Despite the warning, protesters wearing their signature orange berets gathered on Monday morning at Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos, kicking off the rally with chants and solidarity songs.
The Lagos protest marked the official start of the movement’s coordinated demonstrations across the country.
Protests were also reported in Abuja and Rivers State, where security operatives reportedly dispersed demonstrators with tear gas.
The Cybercrime Act has come under fire for what critics describe as “vague provisions” allegedly used to stifle dissent, silence journalists, and intimidate citizens expressing their views online.
The National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the group’s key demands include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and an end to what it describes as “military-style emergency rule” in Rivers State, imposed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Monday’s demonstration in Lagos coincided with the National Police Day celebration on April 7.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing a protracted political crisis in the state.
