Police in Rivers State deny using tear gas against protesters despite viral videos showing officers dispersing crowds. Protesters had gathered peacefully to oppose alleged abuses of the cybercrime law and emergency rule calls. Rights groups are demanding an investigation as security tensions grow in Port Harcourt.
Tension rose in Port Harcourt on Monday as "Take It Back Movement" members gathered at Isaac Boro Park to protest the alleged misuse of the cybercrime law and calls for an emergency rule in Rivers State.
Protesters arrived early, but their peaceful assembly quickly descended into chaos when police officers appeared. Eyewitness videos circulating online show tear gas being fired into the crowd, scattering demonstrators. Despite this visual evidence, the Rivers State Police Command firmly denied using any tear gas.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the command, released a statement claiming officers had intervened only to disperse what she described as "criminal elements" attempting to steal from bystanders. She insisted no tear gas was deployed against legitimate protesters and dismissed the viral footage as misleading.
"The reports alleging that police fired at peaceful demonstrators are baseless and appear to be designed to provoke public unrest," Iringe-Koko said.
The protest was rooted in broader frustrations over perceived political suppression and the alleged abuse of security laws against activists.
Security forces have now increased their presence around key locations in Port Harcourt to forestall further demonstrations. Meanwhile, rights groups and protest organizers continue to demand an independent investigation into the police response. Observers warn that tensions could escalate if grievances are not addressed quickly and transparently.
