The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has given reason for the arrest of protesters at Unity fountain, Abuja.
The Department of State Service (DSS) on Wednesday, arrested Olawale Bakare and some co-protesters wearing orange-coloured caps around Olaiya area of Osogbo, Osun State.
The police and the Nigerian Army also arrested several others in Abuja.
Briefing newsmen on behalf of the FCT Ministerial Task Team on COVID-19, Mr. Ikharo Attah, said the protesters violated the Presidential Task Force guidelines on social and physical distancing.
Attah said most of the protesters were apprehended without face masks.
He added that over 40 protesters have been released by the joint security personnel, NAN reports.
“You can protest and still be alive and those enforcing will be protected too but conform to COVID-19 protocols.
” You have the right to association, right to protest, right to freedom of speech but you must always obey all COVID-19 health protocols as you do all of that.”
He warned that though citizens can protest, they must abide by the rules that govern the country and one of such rules is to obey the COVID-19 protocols.
