Shortly after, policemen fired teargas and shot into the air to disperse the protesters. Some members of the movement were also arrested. A policeman, who spoke off the record, revealed that Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police, ordered that the protesters should be dispersed.
“We have a standing order from the IGP, not even the CP in Lagos can stop us,” he said. Peter Afunaya, spokesman of the DSS, had told reporters in Abuja on Sunday that Sowore was arrested because he “crossed lines”.
“Sowore has as a matter of fact threatened the peaceful co-existence and social harmony of Nigeria, there is apprehension, there is anxiety, citizens and residents are worried as to what will happen next. We want to use this opportunity to assure law-abiding Nigerians, friends of Nigeria, and citizens of the world, that come tomorrow (today) 5th August 2019, there will be absolute peace in Nigeria, nothing will happen,” he had said.
