Police warn against unapproved public protests in Abia

Those planning public protests in Abia State have to notify the police in writing at least 48 hours before the event.

According to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Ene Okon, this rule applies to any protest, adding that protests are part of citizens’ rights under a democracy.

Speaking through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna, yesterday, the CP said that the intending protesters must, in their notice to the police, state the place of convergence, time of commencement, routes to follow and termination point.

The protesters’ pre-protest notice will enable the police provide adequate security to the protesters and prevent miscreants from hijacking the protest, he added.