Lagos Police Arrest 18 #EndSARS Protesters on 4th Anniversary

Lagos Authorities Silence #EndSARS Activists, Arrest 18 on Anniversary

“The #PoliceNG has arrested over 18 peaceful protesters at #LekkiMassacreRemembrance at...”

Lekki Toll Gate Protest: 18 youths arrested as Nigeria marks 4th anniversary of #EndSARS movement.

At least 18 protesters commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests were arrested by Nigerian police on Sunday. The #EndSARS movement began in 2020 as a response to police brutality, with protests taking place from October 1 to 20. The demonstrations were sparked by a viral video showing Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) officers physically assaulting and shooting a young Nigerian in Delta State.

Tragically, the protests turned violent on October 20, 2020, resulting in the loss of lives at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State. This incident has become known as the Lekki Massacre. On Sunday, youths gathered at the toll gate to commemorate the anniversary, but were met with tear gas and arrests by police. The Nigerian government had promised reforms, but many argue that little has changed.

Demands of the #EndSARS Protesters:

Immediate Release of Arrested Protesters: Demanding the release of those arrested during the protests 

Justice for Victims of Police Brutality: Seeking justice and compensation for families of those killed or injured by police.

Independent Investigation and Prosecution: Calling for an independent body to investigate and prosecute reports of police brutality.

Police Reform: Demanding comprehensive reform of the Nigerian police force to prevent future brutality.

The #EndSARS movement has brought attention to the need for police reform in Nigeria, but the continued arrests and violence against protesters highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights in the country.

Distressing news has emerged from Lagos, where multiple protesters commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests were arrested. According to Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the #Takeitbackmovement, and Omole Ibukun, Initiator of the Creative Change Centre, notable figures taken into custody include Hassan Soweto, National Spokesperson of the Youth Rights Campaign, along with Remilekun Orunsolu, Olamide Thomas, Michael Adedeji, Adeseye Eshe, and Olamilekan Sanusi.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, reported on Twitter that the protesters were apprehended at the Lekki Toll Gate, brutally beaten, and then loaded into a Black Maria van. Sowore further revealed that the arrested individuals were subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

This development echoes the events of 2020, when peaceful #EndSARS protesters were met with violence, resulting in loss of life and mass detentions. The continued suppression of dissenting voices raises concerns about the Nigerian government's commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring justice for victims of police brutality.

The tweet, posted via his X handle, read: “The #PoliceNG has arrested over 18 peaceful protesters at #LekkiMassacreRemembrance at #Lekki TollGate. They subjected them to serious beating and torture while being temporarily detained in their Black Maria at the toll gate. Subsequently, they've moved them to the notorious SCIID station at Panti in the Yaba area of Lagos.”