Responding to questions on whether he was aware of allegations that the police arrested peaceful protesters in Ekpoma, the IG said the police were often unfairly accused after violent incidents that occurred under the guise of protests. “When people have committed criminal offences during protests, we are used to narratives that the police arrested peaceful protesters,” Egbetokun said. “In the case of Ekpoma, of course, the police will not go after anybody who participated in a peaceful protest. The IG stressed that violence, looting and destruction of property, not peaceful protest, were the concern of the police. Egbetokun disclosed that 52 persons were arrested in Ekpoma, insisting they were not peaceful protesters but individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.

Source: Punch January 18, 2026 16:07 UTC