Nigeria Police Arrests NDC President Amidst Protest Plans Against State Of Emergency

Scope 03 Apr 2025

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In a significant development, the Nigeria Police Force has reportedly apprehended the President of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) amid plans to protest against the imposition of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. This move by the police has sparked debates and reactions across the country, raising concerns about the freedom of expression and democratic rights.

Naija News has learned that the arrest took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The NDC president is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). This arrest comes at a time when tensions are high, with the Tinubu administration's decision to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State being met with widespread criticism and opposition.

Behind the Scenes: Police Actions and Invitations

A well-informed source has revealed that the police initially summoned the NDC’s Spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, over his vocal criticisms of the emergency rule. Ogboru had been urging the people of the Niger Delta to stand up for their civil rights through protests and other forms of expression, directly challenging the presidential directive. However, instead of waiting for Ogboru, the police reportedly decided to act swiftly by arresting the NDC president.

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According to the source, “Instead of waiting for him, the police went ahead to arrest the president. He has been in detention since yesterday.” This move by the authorities has been seen as a preemptive strike to suppress any potential protests or demonstrations that could disrupt the implementation of the State of Emergency.

Mudiaga Ogboru Speaks Out

Confirming the developments, NDC Spokesperson Mudiaga Ogboru addressed the media, revealing that he had received two separate invitations from the police—one from the Lagos State Police Command and another from the Rivers State Police Command. Ogboru explained, “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.”

The Invitation Letter: What It Says

A copy of the invitation letter obtained by newsmen reads: “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 letter appears to be a formal invitation, but its timing and context raise questions about its true purpose. Many see it as a tactic to intimidate and deter individuals from expressing dissent against government policies.

Reactions and Concerns

The arrest of the NDC president has ignited strong reactions from activists and civil rights organizations. These groups view the move as an attempt to stifle opposing opinions regarding the contentious emergency rule enacted by President Tinubu in Rivers State. The Tinubu administration's decision to enforce emergency rule in Rivers State has faced significant backlash, with detractors claiming it serves as a strategy to weaken democratic processes and silence opposition in the resource-rich area.

Many are concerned that this action sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the principles of democracy and freedom of speech. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on how the Nigerian government will address these concerns and whether it will respect the rights of its citizens to voice their opinions freely and peacefully.