"Take It Back Movement Seeks Contact Details for Police Protection Ahead of August Protest"

The Take It Back Movement has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide contact information for the senior police officers assigned to protect their members during the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10.

In a letter sent on Monday, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his Principal Staff Officer, Johnson Adenola, assured Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa—who represents the Movement—that police protection would be provided. Egbetokun also requested a meeting with Adegboruwa.

In response, Adegboruwa expressed gratitude in a letter dated Tuesday, recognizing the IGP’s commitment to upholding laws that allow citizens to conduct public meetings, rallies, and processions. The letter, signed by Adegboruwa, stated:

“We act on behalf of the Take It Back Movement and refer to our letter dated July 26, 2024, and your response dated July 29, 2024. Our client acknowledges the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to adhering to the laws that grant citizens the right to hold public meetings and rallies, and the police's responsibility to ensure protection at these events.

To facilitate effective planning, we request the contact details of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and the Commissioners of Police assigned to oversee these public events.

The locations for the upcoming protests are as follows:

1. Abuja: Eagle’s Square, near the Secretariat.
2. Lagos: Alausa Park, Ikeja.
3. Benin: Opposite Wema Bank, Akpakpava Lane.
4. Bauchi: Opposite School of Agric, Tafawa Balewa Road.
5. Ibadan: Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road.
6. Yobe: Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu.
7. Rivers: Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium.
8. Oshogbo: Freedom Park.

We will provide additional details as they become available and are eager to attend the meeting with the IGP. For broader participation, we propose that the meeting be held virtually. Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, the NBA, other lawyers, and civil society groups will be leading the meeting. We await the Zoom link for this virtual meeting.

Thank you for your attention and support. Please accept our highest regards.”