Tensions Escalate In Abuja As Take It Back Movement Prepares For Major Police HQ Protest

Tensions are rising in Abuja as the “Take It Back Movement” prepares to stage a protest at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, located at Louis Edet House, today, Monday, January 27. The civic organization has called on Nigerians to join the demonstration, which is set for 9 a.m.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement, the group stated: “We invite you to join us tomorrow at the Force Headquarters in Abuja as we launch a series of mass campaigns aimed at permanently ending police extortions and unlawful roadblocks nationwide. #EndPoliceExtortion.”

This announcement has heightened the atmosphere in the capital amid growing uncertainty.

The protest was sparked by a recent incident involving the group’s leader, Omoyele Sowore, who was summoned by the police for questioning after recording a video of his confrontation with officers in Lagos. The police had sent an invitation to Sowore, requesting his presence for an interview on January 27, 2025.

In a surprising turn of events, armed officers arrested one of the protest organizers, Henry Nwodo, on Sunday night in the Ruga-Fulani village of Abuja. Witnesses reported that Nwodo was assaulted, his phone seized, and he was forcibly taken into a black vehicle with no license plates. His housemate, Emiola Osifeso, revealed that Nwodo was at the night market buying rice when he was apprehended. Osifeso suspects that Nwodo’s arrest is connected to the protest, with some local residents indicating that vigilante officers may have tipped off the police.

Despite Nwodo’s detention, the #EndPoliceExtortion protest will proceed as planned, with the movement urging Nigerians to participate in the demonstration to demand an end to police brutality and extortion.