Protests Erupt Across Nigeria as Citizens Demand Urgent Reforms, Repeal of Cyber-crime Act
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On April 7, 2025, Nigerians in cities across the country took to the streets in coordinated demonstrations spearheaded by the “Take It Back” movement and several civil society groups.
The protests, which unfolded in Abuja, Rivers, Yobe, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, and other states, called for government action on a range of pressing issues, including insecurity, economic hardship, Repeal of repressive Cyber-crime Act, and alleged abuses of power.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, protesters convened in areas like Maitama, carrying placards with bold slogans such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.” However, what began as a peaceful gathering escalated into tense confrontations as police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Notable figures such as human rights lawyer Barrister Deji Adeyanju and political activist Omoyele Sowore were among those who led the charge, urging demonstrators—particularly the youth—to remain peaceful despite the intimidating presence of security operatives.
Similar scenes played out in other states. In Rivers State, protesters also faced a heavy security presence, particularly in light of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the region.
Yobe State saw demonstrators raising concerns over insecurity, which has plagued the northern part of the country for years. Across the nation, participants carried banners criticizing the government for its perceived inability to alleviate economic difficulties and address the growing fears of oppression linked to laws like the Cybercrime Act.
The protests coincided with the National Police Day celebration, an event that marked a pivotal moment in the demonstrations. Ahead of the protests, the Nigeria Police Force issued warnings, urging citizens to refrain from taking to the streets.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the protests as “deliberate attempts to tarnish the image of the police and the country at large.”
Despite the warnings, the nationwide turnout underscored the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Protesters denounced the government as dictatorial and unsympathetic to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The organizers of the protests also reiterated demands for the repeal of the controversial Cybercrime Act, which they claim has been weaponized to silence dissent.
While there were reports of arrests and physical altercations in some states, no casualties or severe injuries have been confirmed as of the time of this report. The “Take It Back” movement has vowed to sustain the momentum, promising more coordinated actions in the coming weeks to ensure their voices are heard.
As tensions rise and calls for reform grow louder, the nation waits to see how the government will respond to the grievances raised by its citizens. Today’s protests highlight a critical juncture in Nigeria’s push for accountability and justice in the face of deepening socio-economic and political challenges.
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