17th February, 2020
The police have imposed a ban on further protests and rallies in Imo state. According to the Imo State Police Command, the ban was necessary following the plan by some hoodlums to hide under the guise of protests and rallies to cause mayhem.
“It has come to the notice of the Imo State Police Command that some hoodlums are planning to hide under the protests/rallies as witnessed in the last few weeks to cause mayhem in the state.
“In view of the above, therefore, the command wishes to inform the general public that all protests/rallies of any kind are hereby banned forthwith especially as affects the Supreme Court ruling of 14th January 2020,” Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, spokesman for the Commissioner of Police, said.
Orlando said since the Supreme Court has acknowledged an application asking for a review of the judgment and fixed a date for the review, it is therefore pertinent that both parties should remain calm pending the outcome of the review.
“Furthermore, the command wishes to commend all the groups for the peaceful manner they conducted their protests in the past few weeks, but wish to advise all the groups to stop any further protests/rallies, either in support or against the said supreme court judgment.
“This is to ensure that such protest is not hijacked and used to cause chaos, anarchy or breach of the Public Peace,” Orlando said.
“Residents of the state are therefore advised to go about their lawful business as the police are still in the business of protecting the lives and properties of all”.