Naira Scarcity: Police Clampdown on 15 Suspects for Attacking Banks in Akwa Ibom
- The Akwa Ibom police command of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has confirmed several arrests over the recent protest over the scarcity of naira notes
- According to the police, 15 persons have been arrested for being linked to the vandalisation of three banks
- It was gathered that the incident transpired in the Oron local government area of the state
Akwa Ibom, Uyo - The Akwa Ibom police command has arrested no fewer than 15 suspects for allegedly vandalising banks under the guise of protesting over the scarcity of the new naira notes.
As reported by TheCable, the suspects were accused of destroying banks in the Oron local government area.
Source: UGC
The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, Odiko Maldon, while reeling out details of the arrest to journalists on Sunday, February 19, said the affected banks were vandalised on Friday, February 17, by protesters.
“As we speak, about 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
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“The commissioner of police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, expressed sadness about the situation and directed divisional police officers in the affected local governments to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order.”
Meanwhile, residents have been urged to keep calm and desist from violence and disruption of public peace.
It was further gathered that there was a stampede at the Central Bank of Nigeria's office in Uyo.
Residents were reported to have trooped out in their numbers to deposit their old notes at the office of the apex bank when the incident occurred.
The scenario was beginning to get ugly when operatives of the Akwa Ibom police command appeared at the scene and dispersed them to restore normalcy.
"Attack on Banks is Armed Robbery, and You Will Be Treated as Such" - Police Warn
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has cautioned protesters to desist from attacking banks as such an act is equivalent to robbery.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the force, in a broadcast, disclosed that any protester arrested for attacking banks would be treated like robbers.
Adejobi added that those arrested would be charged in court for armed robbery.
Naira Scarcity: Lagos Police Disperses Protesters, Restores Normalcy
In another development, the Lagos state commissioner of police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has conducted an on-site assessment of the areas disrupted by violence.
His visit came on the heels of the protest that erupted in the Mile 12 area of Kosofe local government.
It was gathered that the protest started in the early hours of Friday, February 17, which according to reports, was caused by the scarcity of cash.
Source: Legit.ng
