A group of youths, unemployed and activists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital known as Oyo Voice, on Monday staged a peaceful protest against various alleged brutality of innocent Nigerians by Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
The protest which started at the front gate of the University of Ibadan early in the morning took the angry youths to major areas of the city such as Sango, Mokola and Roundabout and other adjoining areas.
This, however, caused minor gridlock in the areas visited by the protesters where many commuters were also stranded for hours.
The angry youths noted that the protest was necessary due to what they termed as oppression of SARS in Ibadan
They said, “We are marching against SARS oppression in Ibadan”.
Some of their handbills read:
“Bail is free. Upon arrest, you are liable to remain silent; Section 6 of the ACJA Act 2015; 35 (2) 1999 constitution.
“When been questioned, you must have lawyer present.
“No one should be subject to torture . Section 8, ACJA Act 2015 section 34, 1999 constitution. Upon arrest, suspect must be charged to court immediately.
“No one can be arrested in lieu of another person.
“Police cannot unlawfully search your phones.
“Anyone unlawfully arrested is entitled to compensation. Section 35 (6) 1999 constitution.
One of the leaders of the group, Mr. Babatunde Badmus informed that the aim of the protest was to sensitize the masses on their rights.
He said, “You or me might think that at least one would show courage and put a fight.
We have born witness in silence to lesser ills under less dire threat. Yet, in the face of evil, to sit silent is evil, to sit silent is an even greater evil.
“Complacency is ever the enabler of the darkness deeds.
“We are not singers but activists, we are not cowards but courageous, we are not seeking cheap popularity but positive liberation, we are not cowards or beggars but we are coming to orientate the masses on their rights.
“Don’t be silent in the face of tyranny. This is a struggle for better security in Nigeria.
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