Residents of Ughelli in Delta State have taken to the streets en masse to protest against police brutality and the extortion of Nigerian youth by law enforcement. In a show of civil disobedience, the protesters demanded an end to the harassment and oppression that has become all too common in the area.

In a video shared by Kome Nice on Wednesday, protesters in Ughelli can be seen demonstrating against police brutality, which has reportedly become a widespread problem in the area. The video is accompanied by the caption ‘Heavy protest ongoing in Ughelli against police brutality which has become rampant!!’, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.

In response to the video, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, provided some insight into the causes of the protests. He stated that the protests were sparked by a recent incident of police brutality that has caused outrage in the community.

Edafe wrote, “Regarding the ongoing protest in Ughelli, the command wishes to inform members of the public that yesterday, 13th February 2024, policemen from Ughelli Area Command intercepted an unregistered Benz GLK without a plate number in Ekuigbo community, the men confronted the four boys who could not establish ownership of the car.

“In an attempt to arrest them, some of the youth attacked the police, destroyed their vehicle, and broke the head of one of the officers. Nine of the suspects were arrested and will be charged to court.

“Youths are advised to stay off any protest because it won’t deter us from doing our job.”