The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Elijah Noah, during an Independence Day march in Uyo
It was gathered that Noah was arrested by several armed police officers, while tear gas was fired as supporters gathered for the march
Videos circulating online show several armed police officers surrounding Noah and dragging him toward a police vehicle before forcing him inside
The incident occurred amid heightened political activity by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections
An X user, Esther Umoh, claimed that Noah’s only offence was visiting the proposed starting point of the march
“His only crime was coming to check out the start-off point for the march,” Umoh said, accusing the Akwa Ibom State Government of becoming undemocratic
However, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command stated that eight persons were arrested for acts capable of causing a breach of public peace and for allegedly disregarding lawful security directives
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said in a press statement on Thursday in Uyo that the suspects are assisting the police with ongoing investigations, and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted according to the law
John clarified that no shooting occurred during the incident, emphasizing that deployed personnel acted with professionalism and restraint, and no firearms were discharged
Noting that no gunshot injuries were recorded or reported, John added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned that no individual or group would be allowed to disrupt the peace in the state
“For the avoidance of doubt, Akwa Ibom State remains calm No shooting incident was recorded, no gunshot injury was reported, and eight persons were arrested in connection with the disturbance,” the PPRO stated.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to take all lawful measures necessary to preserve peace and security across the state”
The OK Movement recently announced a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council, naming John Ughulu as Director-General, Saadatu Sani as National Secretary, and Elijah Noah as the coordinator for Akwa Ibom State
However, following a dispute between the movement and the party, the NDC issued a statement on September 19 disowning the council, stating that it had not authorized the group to constitute or announce a campaign council on its behalf The NDC maintained that official party structures remain authoritative, while the Obidient and Kwankwasiyyah movements operate as support groups within the broader political framework.