PORT HARCOURT – The Take It Back Movement has strongly condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters by security operatives during a demonstration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, 7 April 2025.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Movement described the incident as a “brutal and insensible attack” carried out by a combined force of military and police personnel near the CFC junction in Port Harcourt. The protesters had gathered to demand the repeal of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, alleging its misuse by authorities to suppress dissent and free expression.
According to the statement signed by Jonathan Abang-Ugbal, South South Coordinator of the Movement, the use of live ammunition, teargas, and other forms of violence against unarmed demonstrators led to multiple injuries. Among the victims were Comrade Amanyie King, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Movement, and Nubari Sataah, President of the Niger Delta Congress. Both reportedly sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The Movement also raised concerns about dozens of protesters who remain unaccounted for following the crackdown.
“The excessive and reckless force used by the security agencies who are supposed to serve the public diligently led to patriotic Nigerians sustaining varying degrees of injuries,” the statement said.
The protest was part of a nationwide campaign aimed at drawing attention to the alleged abuse of the Cybercrimes Act to target activists, journalists, and citizens critical of government policies. The Movement described the incident as a reflection of the “despotic tendencies” of the current political elite and accused them of using state apparatuses to clamp down on dissenting voices.
“The Cybercrimes Act has become a tool for oppressors to stifle free speech, silence dissent and crush the common man,” the Movement added, calling on Nigerians to rise against what it termed “a blatant display of impunity and abuse of power.”
The group reiterated its demands, including:
- The immediate repeal of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act;
- Accountability for the actions of security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force;
- Protection of citizens’ rights to free speech and peaceful protest.
Emphasising the fundamental nature of the right to protest in a democratic society, the Movement urged citizens not to remain silent in the face of state repression.
“The time for silence and indifference is over. It is time for collective action. Indeed, a people united can never be defeated,” the statement concluded.
