NDC President Arrested Over Protest Against Tinubu’s Emergency Rule
The President of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force over a planned protest against President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.
He was taken into custody on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), SaharaReporters reported.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the police initially invited the NDC Spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, for questioning over his remarks criticising the emergency rule and encouraging Niger Delta residents to exercise their civil rights through protests or other means.
“The police sent an invitation to the spokesperson of the Niger Delta Congress, Mudiaga Ogboru, for criticising the emergency rule in Rivers and for asking Niger Delta people to speak up and exercise their civil rights either by protest or any way to show their disapproval of the presidential order in Rivers State.
“Instead of waiting for him, the police went ahead to arrest the president. He has been in detention since yesterday.”
Speaking to SaharaReporters, Ogboru confirmed the situation, revealing that he had received two separate police invitations—one from the Lagos State Police Command and another from the Rivers State Police Command.
“Actually, I received two different invitations, one from Lagos Police Command and one from Rivers State Police Command.
“It is about our planned protest against the emergency rule in Rivers. Since they could not get me, they went ahead to arrest our president in Rivers, who is living in Port Harcourt.”
A copy of the invitation letter states:
“Sir/Madam
“INVITATION TO THE POLICE STATION:
“You are invited to see the Officer in charge SID at the above-named Police Station/Post in connection with a case reported on the 23rd day of MARCH, 2025. It is just a fact-finding invitation, and your very co-operation will be much appreciated. On arrival, please report to O/C SID of the SID OFFICE, Ikeja LAG.
“Looking forward to seeing you on or before 25TH MAR, 2025: 11:00 am.”
The arrest has triggered outrage among activists and civil rights groups, who view it as an attempt to silence opposition against the controversial emergency rule.
President Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State has faced widespread criticism, with many accusing his administration of using it as a tactic to suppress democracy and opposition voices in the oil-rich region.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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