Reviews
JUST IN: Iroegbu Slams Police, Says Protesters Treated Worse Than Bandits
(DDM) – Public affairs analyst Dickson Iroegbu has sharply criticised the Nigerian Police Force over its handling of protesters, insisting that the country would face far less insecurity if law enforcement treated criminals with the same rigor as peaceful demonstrators.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Iroegbu made the comments on Monday while featuring on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television, responding to the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest in Abuja.
The analyst condemned what he described as the “excessive use of force” by police officers against demonstrators demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The protest was peaceful as declared by the organisers, yet the Nigerian police released not just tear gas but live bullets at the participants. It is unfortunate and unacceptable,” Iroegbu stated.
He commended activist Omoyele Sowore for organising the protest, noting that as an Igbo man, he felt recognition and respect from fellow Nigerians for the first time since the civil war.
Iroegbu further observed that the police approach to protesters exposes a dangerous double standard in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Go around Abuja and see for yourselves. If the Nigerian police tackled insecurity in the country the way they confronted peaceful protesters, we wouldn’t have these widespread security challenges,” he said.
The analyst argued that the government’s failure to adequately address criminality, while responding harshly to lawful demonstrations, undermines public trust in law enforcement.
He stressed that peaceful protests, like the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration, are constitutional rights guaranteed to all Nigerians and should not be met with violence.
DDM reports that on Monday, hundreds of protesters gathered in the Federal Capital Territory demanding the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in detention despite multiple court orders for his release.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over excessive police actions during civil protests, highlighting violations of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to assembly, expression, and personal safety.
Iroegbu concluded that restoring faith in the police would require both accountability for officers who abuse their powers and a reorientation of law enforcement priorities toward genuine national security threats.
The analyst’s comments add to growing public debates over police reform and civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly in light of the ongoing tension surrounding the detention of Nnamdi Kanu and related protests across the South-East.
(DDM) – The Government of Angola has announced plans to posthumously honour Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, as part of its 50th Independence Day celebrations.
According to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the Angolan authorities said the recognition was in appreciation of Murtala Muhammed’s unwavering support for Angola’s independence struggle during the 1970s, a period marked by political instability and foreign intervention in the Southern African region.
Angola, which gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, will mark its golden jubilee this month, with world leaders, diplomats, and liberation heroes expected to be honoured for their contributions to the country’s freedom and stability.
In a statement released in Luanda, the Angolan government described Murtala Muhammed as a fearless Pan-African leader who stood firmly for the liberation of oppressed nations across Africa.
The statement praised Nigeria’s decisive diplomatic and military backing during the Angolan civil conflict when the country, under Murtala’s leadership, recognized the Marxist-oriented MPLA government led by Agostinho Neto, a move that changed the course of the continent’s postcolonial politics.
Diplomatic observers note that Murtala Muhammed’s recognition is a symbolic reminder of Nigeria’s influential role in the anti-colonial movements of the 1970s.
During his short but impactful rule between July 1975 and February 1976, Murtala made bold foreign policy decisions that redefined Nigeria’s global image.
He openly challenged Western interference in African affairs and championed the cause of self-determination for nations still under colonial domination.
Historians recall that his fiery address at the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Addis Ababa in 1976 remains one of Africa’s most powerful speeches against imperialism.
His statement, “Africa has come of age”, became an enduring slogan of African pride and sovereignty.
Tragically, General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in a failed coup on February 13, 1976, just months after taking power.
Despite his brief tenure, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most visionary and principled leaders.
The Angolan government said the posthumous award would be presented to representatives of the Nigerian government and Murtala Muhammed’s family at the official Independence Day ceremony in Luanda.
Political analysts believe the honour reflects a broader recognition of Nigeria’s historic commitment to African unity a legacy that continues to influence continental diplomacy.
Murtala Muhammed’s inclusion among Angola’s honorees is also expected to reignite discussions about Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and its declining moral influence in African affairs.
The honour, coming 50 years after Angola’s independence, serves as both a tribute to the past and a reminder of the sacrifices made by African leaders who believed in freedom and solidarity across the continent.
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