Protesters Besiege NASS, Demand End To Social Media Bill – TheNigerialawyer

Dozens of protesters on Wednesday marched to the National
Assembly complex in Abuja.

The protesters demanded that the Senate drop the bill it is
considering to regulate social media in Nigeria.

During the protest, a policeman, Adiogu Eyinnaya, seized the
camera of a journalist who came to cover the protest.

The protesters started the march at a section of the National
Assembly gate when another set moved in through the left flank of
the gate.

A policeman closed in on them saying, “Go back. You are not part
of this protest. We don’t know you.”

“No. They are Nigerians. They have the right to protest,” came
the response of one of the protesters.

It appeared this did not go well with the policemen who were
already closing in on the procession in their numbers.

While this was on, the journalist, Mr Busayo, who works for
RootsTV, filmed.

Mr Eyinnaya, who cut the frame of the most senior of the police
officers, whipped the journalist’s hand with his baton, and yanked
the camera off Mr Busayo’s grip, before seizing it.

As he gripped it, he tried breaking the flex but the journalist
prevented him from doing so.

“Why would you be filming the policemen?” he asked, threatening
to take him to the security post.

Some of the journalists close by pleaded with him. Others
challenged him.

Mr Enyinnaya eventually released the camera.

The protest was still on as at the time of this report.

The protesters are asking the legislators to drop the
anti-social media bill which seeks to regulate the use of social
media.

They also demand the release of Omoyele Sowore, Abba Jalingo and
others who are held against court orders.