By Rita Uzuh
October 20, 2024

Twenty-two protesters arrested at the Lekki Tollgate on Sunday morning, during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, have been released after reportedly facing police brutality. The demonstrators had gathered to commemorate those killed while calling for an end to police brutality in Nigeria four years ago.

Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), confirmed their release to SaharaReporters on Sunday. He explained that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police personally visited the Panti Police Station, where the protesters were detained, and facilitated their release.

“We have just been released after the Commissioner of Police came down to Panti police station, pleading hypocritically. The brutalisation, assault, and arrests happened right in his presence,” Soweto said.

He recounted the violence endured by the protesters, noting that many were still in shock. “One comrade had blood gushing from his nose. Two comrades, a male and female, were sexually molested. A male comrade was stripped naked, and we had to find a rope to hold his trousers to preserve his dignity,” Soweto added.

Soweto himself had his clothes torn by an officer identified as Nnadi James at the station. He decried the violation of their rights and said, “This brutalisation on a day set aside to commemorate a massacre 4 years ago cannot be tolerated. We want justice, and we won’t stop until we have it.”

Despite the violence, Soweto reiterated their commitment to continuing the struggle against what he described as President Tinubu’s “anti-poor policies.”

The protesters, who were initially thrown into a Black Maria during their arrest, have been identified as: Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Uadiale Kingsley, Osopale Adeseye T., Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Anaheim, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora (female), Orunsolu Oluremi (Renyte Goonz), and Prof Seyi Akinde.

Others include Akin Okunowon Aluta, Ugochukwu Prince, Aishat Omolara (female), Thomas Abiodun Olamide (female), Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duroorike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyeni, and Afeez Suleiman.

Amnesty International, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) have condemned the police’s heavy-handed response to the peaceful protesters. They also criticized the police for deploying operatives to suppress the #EndSARS memorial protests across Lagos, Osun, and other states.

SaharaReporters earlier detailed how the Nigeria Police Force, in a clampdown on peaceful demonstrations, arrested Soweto and 21 other members of the #EndBadGovernance Movement at the Lekki Tollgate.