A coalition of civil society organizations led by the Take-It-Back Movement staged a protest in Abuja on Monday, April 7, 2025, decrying the deteriorating economic conditions, the controversial Cybercrime Act, and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The protesters gathered at Unity Fountain in the Federal Capital Territory, wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the Repression,” “Let Us Breathe,” and “Rescue Nigeria Now.” Among them was human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who joined in solidarity.
However, the peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic as police officers reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several activists, including Bosede Imanah and the popular protester known as Flagboy, were arrested during the incident.
Prior to the protest, the Nigeria Police Force had issued a statement advising the organizers to shelve the demonstration, citing National Police Day celebrations and potential disruptions. The police described the protest timing as “unpatriotic and questionable.”
The Take-It-Back Movement has criticized the Cybercrime Act as a tool of repression allegedly used to silence dissent, target journalists, and criminalize online speech. They also called for a return to democratic governance in Rivers State, where they claim emergency rule is being imposed unofficially.
Despite the arrests and police resistance, the protesters have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are addressed by the federal government. As of press time, no official statement had been released regarding the fate of those arrested.
