Amnesty International and several human rights activists have strongly condemned the Nigerian police for their brutal treatment of protesters during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS memorial at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.
On Sunday, October 20, 2024, protesters gathered to commemorate the victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. However, the police dispersed the crowd using tear gas and live rounds, leading to the arrest of about 23 activists, including three females. The protesters were bundled into a Black Maria and taken to Panti Police Station in Yaba.
Amnesty International criticized the police action, stating that the “reckless use of tear gas and arrests are unacceptable.” The organization also highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses by the police, including unlawful detention, extortion, torture, and sexual violence.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) also condemned the police actions, emphasizing that the protests were legitimate expressions of free speech and assembly. RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, noted that the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators is undemocratic and unjustified.
Despite the brutality, the protesters were eventually released after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police intervened. However, many of the protesters suffered injuries, and some reported sexual molestation and other forms of abuse during their detention.
Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign, criticized the police actions and reiterated the determination to continue fighting for justice and reforms in the security sector.
