Amnesty International, others blast Nigeria Police for detaining #EndSARS memorial protesters
Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have knocked the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for arresting and detaining #EndSARS memorial protesters in Lagos, Osun and otehr states of the Federation.
Neusroom had, earlier, reported, on Sunday, that the Police clamped down on persons staging a protest to honour the memory of those killed in the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
The National Chairman of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Hassan Taiwo Soweto, was arrested at the Lekki Tollgate alongside 21 other members of #EndBadGovernance Movement.
Other global human rights groups like the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) have berated the Police for intimidating citizens exercising their fundamental human rights.
“Four years ago, on a day like this the deadliest crackdown on peaceful #EndSARS protesters was carried out by Nigerian army and police.
“Nigerian army and police killed at least 12 peaceful protesters on 20.10.2020 at two locations in Lagos. The killings took place in Lekki and Alausa, where thousands were protesting years of ruthless police brutality.
“Shortly before the army and police began shooting at close range, CCTV cameras at the Lekki Toll Gate where #EndSARS protesters had been camped for two weeks, were removed by government officials and the electricity was cut – in a clear attempt to hide evidence.
“Amnesty International condemns the Nigeria police for the violent attack on people who assembled at Lekki Toll Gate to honour peaceful protesters killed during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Oct. 2020. The reckless use of tear gas and arrests are unacceptable.
“President Bola Tinubu’s government must stop using security personnel to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest and pay attention to the real grievances that triggered the protests.
“Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Hassan Soweto and 17 activists arrested at the Lekki Toll Gate today while holding a memorial for victims of #EndSARS protests. During the arrest, they were also subjected to horrific atrocities,” a statement from Amnesty International via their official X handle read.
The RULAAC also frowned at the highhandedness of the Police in oppresing these protesters. Its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said, “The protest serves as a vital memorial event to honor victims and advocate for justice and reforms in the security sector. The authorities’ response reflects an alarming trend of suppressing citizens’ rights and activism regarding police brutality and governance in Nigeria.
“As legitimate expressions of free speech and assembly, these peaceful protests should be protected under democratic principles. The use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators is undemocratic and unjustified, especially as no offenses have been committed.
“RULAAC calls for the immediate release of all arrested protesters and urges the government to respect citizens’ rights, ensuring accountability for law enforcement agents who violate these rights and abuse their power.”
In the same vein, the Youth Rights Campaign in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, condemned the arrest of its National spokesperson, Soweto and 21 others protesters.
“We demand their immediate and unconditional release. We understand that they are presently detained at SCID Panti Yaba.
“The protesters had demanded the release of all #ENDSARS protesters are still in detention after four years. They also demanded the immediate implementation of the report of the Judicial Panel which includes adequate compensation of the victims of #ENDSARS.
“This arrest is a continuation of brutal repression which has been the standard response of the Bola Tinubu regime against dissent and peaceful protest.
“We call on the labour movement, civil society organisations and youth groups not to be intimidated but be prepared to mobilise mass resistance against democratic attacks by the Tinubu regime as well as its anti-poor neo- liberal policies.
“We also demand the immediate release of all still in detention in connection with #EndBadGovernance protest across the country and dropping of trumped-up charges against Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 others.”
Reports indicate that the protesters are being detained at the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department at Panti in Lagos.
This media reveal the identities of the arrested protesters as: Hassan Taiwo Soweto; 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.
Others include: 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.
