Inside Edo
Edo Police command cracks down on illegal road blockades amid protests
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
25 Nov 2025 05:25 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to protesters and pressure groups, declaring an end to the rising trend of road blockages and highway obstructions under the guise of public demonstrations.
In a statement last weekend, the Command expressed deep concern over these illegal activities, signaling a zero-tolerance policy effective immediately.
The police highlighted that while the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 40, guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, this right is not absolute and must adhere to legal frameworks and established protocols.
The Command pointed out that recent incidents of road blocks, obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement, disrupting commerce, and undermining public peace constitute criminal offenses.
These actions, they argue, infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and will no longer be tolerated.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, who was appointed to the role following a tragic lynching incident in Uromi, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
The police action aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which permit restrictions on assembly rights for public safety and order. The Command’s stance also draws on the Nigeria Highway Code, which prohibits obstructing roads in ways that impede traffic flow a violation punishable under the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act.
CP Agbonika cautioned organizers and individuals to desist from unlawful assemblies, underscoring the police's commitment to enforcing the law while protecting public order and the rights of all residents.
The statement reflects a broader effort to balance freedom of expression with the need to maintain societal stability, especially in light of recent violent incidents in the state.
Some residents have welcomed the police stance, citing the inconvenience caused by road blockages, while others have raised concerns about potential overreach, calling for dialogue with protest organizers to address underlying grievances.
In a statement last weekend, the Command expressed deep concern over these illegal activities, signaling a zero-tolerance policy effective immediately.
The police highlighted that while the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 40, guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, this right is not absolute and must adhere to legal frameworks and established protocols.
The Command pointed out that recent incidents of road blocks, obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement, disrupting commerce, and undermining public peace constitute criminal offenses.
These actions, they argue, infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and will no longer be tolerated.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, who was appointed to the role following a tragic lynching incident in Uromi, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
The police action aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which permit restrictions on assembly rights for public safety and order. The Command’s stance also draws on the Nigeria Highway Code, which prohibits obstructing roads in ways that impede traffic flow a violation punishable under the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act.
CP Agbonika cautioned organizers and individuals to desist from unlawful assemblies, underscoring the police's commitment to enforcing the law while protecting public order and the rights of all residents.
The statement reflects a broader effort to balance freedom of expression with the need to maintain societal stability, especially in light of recent violent incidents in the state.
Some residents have welcomed the police stance, citing the inconvenience caused by road blockages, while others have raised concerns about potential overreach, calling for dialogue with protest organizers to address underlying grievances.
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