Northern youth groups have protested the sealing of the headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, describing the action as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic principles.
The protest position was articulated by the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.
The group condemned the action reportedly carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, alleging that due process was not followed in sealing the premises of the organisation.
JACON said the development amounted to intimidation of a legitimate socio-cultural body and warned that such actions could undermine civic freedoms and public trust in democratic institutions.
“We strongly condemn the sealing of the ACF headquarters. This act is not only unlawful but sets a dangerous precedent capable of eroding democratic values,” the statement said.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that officers involved were held accountable.
It also urged the ACF leadership to seek legal redress, stressing that judicial intervention would reinforce the rule of law and prevent future occurrences.
According to JACON, the continued closure of the office could provoke wider dissatisfaction among northern stakeholders if not urgently addressed.
The youth body further demanded the immediate reopening of the facility to allow the organisation resume its activities without hindrance.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said the action was taken as a preventive measure to avert a possible breakdown of law and order linked to internal disagreements within the ACF.
The command maintained that its intervention was necessary to maintain peace and stability in the area.
The ACF is a prominent socio-cultural organisation that represents the interests of northern Nigeria in national discourse.
