The Nigeria Police Force has stated that individuals have the freedom to move around freely at any time, except in situations where there is a specific law or curfew applicable within an enclosed estate.
This was made known in a statement posted on X, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, while reacting to a question one social media user had posted online tagging the police.
The social media user @maxximaan, had asked the police that, “Sir, pls what time of the night is considered “late hour” for a person to be arrested?”
This question was in reaction to police brutality experienced by most Nigerians walking late at night based on some unforseen contingencies.
Responding to the question, the police Spokesperson said, “I am not aware of the late hours issue. Anyone is free to move at any time, except in an enclosed estate where there is such a law or when there is a curfew. In fact, to improve economic growth, the night economy is encouraged.
” This means you can sell your goods and items until Mama calls. So, I am not aware of any late hours. Perhaps whoever says that can explain better. It may be contextual.”
Police have been reportedly taking the advantage of those who move around at night to enrich their pockets. They brutalized and exploited these unsuspecting victims.
There were cases that lend credence to this alleged intimidation on the citizens by the Nigeria police .
A boy in Anambra state who was an only son of his parents was heading home from work on the 21st of May 2020 around a few minutes past 8, when men of the police force from Nimo unit chased him until he was knocked down by a moving vehicle. He was said to have died from his injuries.
Reports also revealed that on Friday night, October 16, 2020, Chijioke Iloanya’s story was narrated by a lady during the #EndSARS candle night protest. Chijioke was 20 years in 2012 when he went for child dedication and was picked up by SARS officials who took him to their office. When his family went to look for him, they were informed that he had been moved to their headquarters, upon which the mother sighted him there but the officer in charge threw them out.
While revisiting, the officer boasted that he shot Chijioke and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Other officers told the parents to bring some money that Chijioke might still be alive.
