The Take It Back (TIB) Movement, a vocal proponent of social justice and human rights in Nigeria, is set to stage a massive protest in Abuja on Monday. The rally will take place at the Police Force Headquarters, where the group plans to voice their strong opposition against the persistent issue of police extortions and illegal roadblocks that have plagued the country for years.
This protest comes on the heels of a recent confrontation between Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the movement, and police officers in Lagos, which has drawn national attention. Sowore, a journalist and activist, was summoned by the police for questioning after he recorded a video of an altercation with officers, an incident that has sparked a renewed push for reform.
“We have seen time and time again how the police subject Nigerians to unnecessary harassment, extortion, and violence. Enough is enough,” Sowore said in a statement released by the movement. “The public needs to know that this is not just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of abuse. We will not stand by while the police continue to trample on the rights of Nigerians.”
The protest is set to kick off at the Police Force Headquarters, where hundreds, possibly thousands, are expected to gather in solidarity for the cause. The movement has urged Nigerians from all walks of life to join the demonstration, calling for an end to police impunity and for the dismantling of corrupt police units that have become a symbol of injustice.
The Catalyst: Sowore’s Confrontation with Police
The call for the protest was ignited by the January 2025 incident involving Sowore. The activist, who is no stranger to clashes with Nigerian authorities, was stopped by police officers while recording a video of officers allegedly involved in extortion activities on a busy Lagos street. The confrontation was captured on camera and went viral, causing an outcry among Nigerian citizens who have long complained of police misconduct.
On January 23, 2025, Sowore received a letter from the police inviting him to report for questioning at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The letter, signed by Commissioner of Police Ibitoye Rufus Alajide, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, indicated that Sowore was to answer to “allegations” following his video of the altercation.
“Omoyele Sowore is invited for an interview on January 29, 2025, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident,” read the police invitation. However, the timing of the invitation appears to be directly linked to the planned protest, with many critics suggesting that the police’s action is an attempt to silence the TIB Movement’s efforts to expose and challenge police malpractice.
Sowore’s legal team is already preparing for his appearance in Abuja. However, there are concerns that the police might use the occasion as an opportunity to transport Sowore back to Lagos for further questioning, as suggested by some reports.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Resistance
The TIB Movement, which gained prominence during the #EndSARS protests of 2020, is no stranger to leading campaigns aimed at curbing police brutality. Their efforts were instrumental in the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious police unit known for its extrajudicial killings, torture, and illegal detentions.
“We did it before with the #EndSARS movement, and we will do it again with the #EndPoliceExtortion campaign,” Sowore asserted in his statement shared via social media. “We are not just protesting for our rights, but for the rights of every Nigerian who has been wronged by a corrupt and unjust system.”
In its most recent update, the TIB Movement’s statement expressed optimism that the public’s participation would bring about the desired change: “Join us at the Force Headquarters in Abuja as we begin a series of mass campaigns to put a permanent end to police extortions and lawless roadblocks across the country.”
The movement also called on the government to address the systemic issues within the Nigerian Police Force, urging reforms that will ensure accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.
A Nationwide Call for Justice
The issues raised by TIB Movement are not new. For years, Nigerian citizens have reported widespread cases of police extortion, particularly at roadblocks and checkpoints, where officers often demand bribes from motorists. These illegal activities have been particularly rampant in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and have contributed to the growing frustration among the Nigerian public with law enforcement agencies.
In 2024, the TIB Movement released its mid-year report, which highlighted the ongoing battle against police abuse and its impact on Nigerian society. The report noted that despite previous reforms, police misconduct has remained widespread, with citizens continuing to face harassment, extortion, and in some cases, violence at the hands of police officers.
“This protest is not just about one incident, but a culmination of years of abuse that the police have inflicted on the Nigerian people,” Sowore said in the TIB Movement’s statement. “We are committed to ensuring that the police are held accountable for their actions, and that no Nigerian should ever have to live in fear of extortion, brutality, or unlawful detention.”
Public Support and Anticipated Impact
As Monday’s protest draws near, support for the TIB Movement’s cause continues to build. Social media platforms have been abuzz with messages of solidarity from Nigerians across the country, as well as prominent figures in the human rights and activism communities.
Many activists and civil society organizations are calling on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address police corruption and brutality. However, the movement is also aware of the potential challenges ahead, including the possibility of violence or heavy-handed tactics by security forces in response to the protest.
“We are prepared for anything,” Sowore said in an interview. “But we are determined to push forward and ensure that the Nigerian people’s voices are heard. This protest is for every Nigerian who has ever faced extortion or brutality at the hands of the police.”
The protest at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja is just the beginning of a series of mass campaigns that the TIB Movement has planned to tackle police misconduct across the country. Whether it results in immediate changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Take It Back Movement will not stop until justice is served.
Calls for Action and Reforms
Nigerians from all corners of the country are encouraged to take part in the protest, as the movement aims to raise awareness about police impunity and demand significant reforms. The public’s participation in Monday’s demonstration could set the stage for further action, both legal and political, against the corruption and abuse that has plagued the Nigerian police force for decades.
“We will not rest until police extortion and unlawful roadblocks are eliminated from Nigeria,” Sowore concluded. “This is a fight for the future of our country, and we will keep pushing until we see change.”
