KEY POINTS

• Protesters in Lagos allege that suspected APC-linked thugs under the name “Team Nigeria” tried to disrupt their Democracy Day rally.
• Demonstrators claim they were intimidated, assaulted, and faced loudspeaker interference aimed at breaking up the protest.
• Organisers, civil society groups, and prominent activists including Falz and Femi Falana participated in the demonstration calling for improved security

A Democracy Day protest held at Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos has been rocked by allegations of violent disruption involving suspected political thugs.

Participants in the demonstration claimed that the protest, which was organised to mark June 12 Democracy Day, was targeted by a group operating under the name “Team Nigeria,” allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress.

The protesters said the group arrived at the venue and attempted to forcefully disperse demonstrators who had gathered peacefully to express concerns over insecurity, governance, and kidnapping in the country.

Alleged Disruption by “Team Nigeria”

According to eyewitness accounts from protesters, members of the group arrived in a van equipped with loudspeakers and deliberately attempted to drown out the voices of demonstrators.

One protester alleged that the speakers were used at extremely high volume to disrupt proceedings and prevent communication among participants.

They also claimed that the group became aggressive, demanding that protesters vacate the location and relocate across the road, a request the demonstrators rejected.

Some protesters further alleged that the confrontation escalated into physical altercations.

One participant said he was struck on the chest during the incident before bystanders intervened to assist him.

According to the accounts, police officers present at the scene attempted to mediate but were unable to fully control the situation. Protesters also alleged that officers suggested they leave the area to avoid escalation, a proposal they refused.

The Democracy Day rally drew a number of prominent activists, lawyers, and entertainers.

Among those present were activist and rapper Folarin Falana, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and activist-lawyer Funmi Falana.

Others included members of the Take It Back Movement, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and several civil society organisations advocating for improved governance and security.

Protesters carried placards with messages calling for urgent action on insecurity and kidnappings, including slogans such as “No Democracy without Security.”