"Aisha Jibrin and 25 Others Apprehended by Police for Provoking Protest in Minna"

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended Aisha Jibrin, who is believed to be the instigator of a tumultuous demonstration in Minna. The protest, which erupted on February 5, 2024, witnessed a significant turnout of Minna residents expressing their grievances over the economic challenges exacerbated by soaring living costs.

The upheaval commenced with a group of women obstructing the Minna-Bida Road at the Kpakungu Roundabout, vocally protesting against what they perceived as hardships under the administration of Bola Tinubu. Subsequently, their ranks were swelled by men and young people, resulting in vehicular traffic being halted.

DSP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the command, confirmed Aisha's arrest, along with two other women and 22 additional individuals. The police intervention was prompted by the disruption caused by the protest, obstructing the normal flow of traffic and impeding the activities of commuters and travelers.

Efforts by police officials and the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Com. Yakubu Garba, to pacify the demonstrators were rebuffed, leading to clashes between the protesters and law enforcement. The police resorted to minimal force to disperse the agitators, who retaliated by pelting officers with various projectiles and damaging police vehicles and property.

Upon apprehension, Aisha and the other suspects were found in possession of an array of weapons and substances, including knives, cutlasses, sticks, and cannabis. During questioning, Aisha claimed ignorance regarding the illegality of her actions, alleging that she had informed a local youth leader, Hassan, who failed to alert the authorities as promised.

All suspects were detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further interrogation and will face prosecution. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, urged citizens to uphold the law and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of addressing grievances through appropriate channels. Efforts to apprehend other individuals involved in the violent protest are ongoing.