Prominent Black Lives Matters activists and celebrities have written to Nigeria’s president demanding justice over the treatment of people during protests against police brutality.
The group, which includes singer Alicia Keys and campaigner Greta Thunberg, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to free jailed protesters.
They also called for a “transparent investigation” into the alleged killing of protesters by armed forces.
“We cannot stay silent,” they said.
Witnesses say they saw soldiers open fire on protesters in Lagos on 20 October after weeks of protests, which began against the much-hated police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars), but then morphed into greater calls for better governance.
“In the midst of a global pandemic, your people sought to bring peace and justice to their land, and they made Africa and its diaspora proud in doing so,” the letter to President Buhari said.
“Yet their peaceful requests were met with state-sanctioned violence and suppression, as your administration meted out unwarranted force against its own unarmed citizens.”
The letter was organised by #BlackLivesMatter movement co-founder Opal Tometi, and timed to coincide with International Human Rights Day.
Other signatories included actors Kerry Washington, Danny Glover and Mark Ruffalo, as well as writers Afua Hirsch, Reni Eddo-Lodge and Naomi Klein.
“As people who have supported the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States and throughout the diaspora, we cannot be silent when similar atrocities take place in African countries,” the letter said.
“We demand respect for the Nigerian people, especially as they engage in their constitutional right to protest grave injustices.”
As well as demanding the release of all jailed protesters, activists and journalists, the signatories demand that all soldiers and security officials responsible for the alleged shooting at Lekki Toll Gate on 20 October are held to account, and that the ban on peaceful protests is lifted.
A judicial panel has been set up in Lagos to investigate both events at Lekki and the activities of Sars. While it promises neutrality and justice, some protesters say they fear government retribution if they speak out.
Since the protests, a number of activists say they have been targeted by the authorities, the BBC’s Mayeni Jones reports. Some have had their bank accounts frozen by the Nigerian Central Bank and some have been detained without charge, before being eventually released.
A date has been fixed for members of UK Parliament to debate sanctions against the Nigerian government over its handling of the historic #EndSARS protests last month.
Recall that in the wake of the #EndSARS protest, a petition was launched to implement sanctions against the Nigerian Government and officials. The petition got over 220,000 signatures.
Following the success of the petition, members of the UK Parliament have scheduled November 23 to debate sanctions against the Nigerian government. They will consider a petition from hundreds of thousands of Nigerians that asked them to look into the killings and gross violations of human rights abuses by security forces and other officials.
It is however unclear if the British lawmakers would recommend sanctions after debating the petitions, or if the government would implement them considering Nigeria’s long-standing ties with the UK.
Court Grants N1m Bail To EndSARS Protester, Eromosele. Health condition of the activist was taken into consideration by the court in arriving at that decision.
The Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos, has granted bail to Eromosele Adene. He was granted a N1m bail and asked to provide two sureties in like sum.
The court also said the sureties must own their own companies.
President Buhari’s media aide, Femi Adesina, has said that if President Buhari hadn’t exercised the restraint and tolerance of a father, blood would have flowed in the wake of the EndSARS protest.
According to Adesina, Nigerians would have been talking about something else in the wake of the crisis that enveloped the country after the #EndSARS protests were hijacked by hoodlums, which led to the loss of public and private businesses.
“There is truly a huge difference between an instructor, a tutor, and a father. One is a hireling, procured to pass knowledge, while the other is an insider, an interested party who is “pater familias,” (as my late dad would say).
All through the EndSARS protest and the riots, mayhem and looting that followed, President Buhari acted like a father. And though we have millions of instructors in this country, we have not many fathers. President Buhari is one.
If President Buhari hadn’t exercised the restraint and tolerance of a father, at a time that even hitherto respected people instigated the protesters to carry on (and they promptly went underground when anarchy ensued), we would have been talking of something else in the country,” he said.
Rinu Oduala, a brand strategist, is one of the prominent activists of the #EndSARS campaign. She made the following known;
In a country in which the people have been voiceless for a long time, people holding the government accountable is being seen as too much? How can we then ensure and encourage people to build a new Nigeria?… How do you expect me, as a part of the future of this country, to still believe in a country that thinks it has the right, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to freeze my account for no just cause?
I am part of a generation of Nigerians who have lived most of their adult lives under ‘democratic’ rule and yet, I wake up feeling there is no difference between the Nigeria I grew up in, and the Nigeria my parents grew up in. The sacrifices of the democrats who bravely stood for the June 12 mandate to bring our democracy to life seem to be in vain. Ironically, many of them are serving in the present government in Nigeria and the ruling party.
Everywhere I turn, I am told that I should be ‘grateful’ for a democracy in which lives were lost, I should be thankful that I have a voice and I can speak up for myself and my peers. But how can I be grateful when young men and women disappear every day; some killed recklessly without cause, while others get scarred for life — physically, emotionally, or both?
When we began to protest, it was because young Nigerians had decided to speak up.
We spoke up – not because we wanted to overthrow the government but because we wanted the police to stop killing us. We did not carry arms, or incite any insurrection. Our only weapon was peaceful protest, as enshrined in Section 40 of our 1999 Constitution. At every point we maintained calm and educated our followers – reiterating throughout the protests that we were not there to fight the government but to ask for change and to follow through to make sure that change was effected.
We believed that somehow we would be spared from the systemic violence and breakdown of social order that was the direct result of the government’s actions. Unfortunately we were mistaken.
…I took up the role of a youth representative at the detriment of my education, personal life and family. I did this to make peace. I did this to ensure our young people understood that the only way to create a better and safer Nigeria is to do things lawfully. Why am I still being targeted for lending the government my good will?
I volunteered to receive donations for our cause by Nigerians at home and abroad, who felt helpless to personally protest but believed they could make a difference through financial sacrifices. Such was the passion of average Nigerians to contribute how best they could to the #EndSARS cause, that they found my personal account number and sent in what they could sacrifice towards the cause. Some people even sent as little as ₦500; all they could spare towards the cause. To have their sacrifices rubbished by government and their motivations questioned is disheartening because the raised funds, including over N200,000 gathered from my business, were meant to be disbursed to attend to the medical bills of injured protesters.
We called for, among other things, a probe into the killings and torture of people and the government agreed to this by setting up judicial panels. In order to assure young people of the independence and fairness of the panels, I took up the role of a youth representative at the detriment of my education, personal life and family. I did this to make peace. I did this to ensure our young people understood that the only way to create a better and safer Nigeria is to do things lawfully. Why am I still being targeted for lending the government my good will?
I am not part of Nigeria’s political or business elite. I have no relatives in government or family members with enough wealth to sway powerful individuals. I am just an ordinary young Nigerian. I study, sell hoodies and other clothing for about ₦5,000 a piece to pay my school fees. I also do the odd bit of freelancing, taking on some brand influencing work to ensure my family doesn’t suffer. Somehow, however, my existence threatens my government; the fact that I have a voice is enough for them to try to silence me.
In the Nigeria I am fighting for, it wouldn’t matter that I am the child of nobody, coming from the average Nigerian home. The Nigeria I am fighting for is one that prioritises every voice, and protects every inalienable right; including mine.
Nigeria is all I have, and I have a right to demand that it works for all of us, not just those with influence, wealth, or government positions.
I decided to use the only currency I have, my voice, to speak up against extrajudicial killings, torture, extortion and unjust harassment that are still happening in a democratic nation in the 21st century! The government also agreed that reform is inevitable and promised us they were going to listen to us, so why punish the same people who are speaking up?
I am not afraid. I am only disappointed that this country will treat me this way.
Nigeria is all I have, and I have a right to demand that it works for all of us, not just those with influence, wealth, or government positions.
In a country in which the people have been voiceless for a long time, people holding the government accountable is being seen as too much? How can we then ensure and encourage people to build a new Nigeria? A Nigeria that will be filled with accountable government officials, where all forms of oppressions and injustice are things of the past. How do you expect me, as a part of the future of this country, to still believe in a country that thinks it has the right, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to freeze my account for no just cause?
This is not fair. But we will make it fair. Otherwise, there is no future for my generation and the generations to come.
The Oyo State Government has read the riot act to hoodlums attacking private and public property in the name of the just-suspended #EndSARS protests in the State.
The warning was given by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, in an interview with journalists after an assessment tour of the places attacked by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protests in different parts of Ibadan, the State capital.
The places visited include Ojoo Divisional Police Headquarters, where 12 vehicles and the building were completely razed, as well as Egbeda Divisional Police Headquarters at New Gbagi Market, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, where the structures and three vehicles were also burnt.
The team led by Operation Burst, a joint security outfit in the State, also visited Moniya, Monatan, Iwo Road Interchange, Agodi Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Agugu, Total Garden, Yemetu, Bere, Ayeye, Agbaje Market, Agbeni Market, Ogunpa Market, Oluyole Estate, and Odo-Ona.
This reporter observed that peace has returned to Ibadan, except for the isolated case of looting the empowerment items in the house of Senator Teslim Folarin, representing Oyo Central in the National Assembly. But seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the looting.
Olatubosun said: ‘We have gone round and I am happy to inform you that everywhere is calm. Business activities have picked up and people have been going out without any harassment.
‘But the peace we are witnessing in the state now would not have been possible but for the community engagement of Governor Seyi Makinde, which has helped the State to douse the tension.
‘Also, the understanding of our people and the belief they have in the leadership of Governor Makinde also worked in our favour. We also give kudos to security agencies, especially Operation Burst.’
Speaking on the dimension of isolated attacks on individuals that hoodlums seemed to be adopting in the state, Olatubosun said: ‘I appeal to those perpetrators that Oyo State is known to be peaceful and we will not condone any form of thuggery, hooliganism, violence and looting.
‘We appeal to parents and community leaders to warn their children and their followers that Oyo State is not a place where they can be destroying private and public property. I appeal to people that are angry to sheathe their swords.’
The Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has volunteered to lead #EndSARS protesters, pledging to participate and march alongside them.
Bello, in a televised broadcast, stated that he was willing to represent the group and help negotiate with the federal government on its demands.
The Governor’s comments are coming amidst calls for the protesters to have a leadership or some form of representation.
Speaking on AIT, he said; “I Volunteer to be the leader that will push down all of their demands and make sure it is met.”
Mr Bello disclosed that he will be matching with youths from Kogi State to Abuja to meet with president on the 24th of Oct. He called on other governors to work hard and ensure that law and order in maintained in their respective states.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday described the protest against police brutality as one of the most successful movement in Nigeria.
He noted that after the #EndSARS protest , Nigerians will experience a better country where fundamental human rights will be respected.
Mohammed stated this while speaking at a Special NAN Forum on Monday in Abuja.
He noted that the Federal Government would be able to act if the protesters end the protest and allow Government attend to their demands
The Minister regretted that the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums and people with a selfish motive to destabilise the country.
He said the government had started the process of unprecedented reform of the police and the entire internal security structure following the #EndSARS protest.
“With every challenge, there is always an opportunity and the opportunity this protest has given us is to look at a more holistic approach to reforming our internal security.”
“For the first time in the history of this country, a special police tactical unit is being formed which will be supervised not by a Police Command but a committee to be chaired by the governor of each state with representatives of youths and Civil Society Organisations.”
“The committee chaired by the governor will have the responsibility to supervise the way the special security unit relate to the public and carry out its responsibilities.”
“The panel being put up will take complaints from the public with regards to human rights abuses; this has never happened in the history of this country,’’ he said.
Mohammed added that this is the first time that a government is setting up a Victim Support Fund to compensate victims of Police brutality and extrajudicial killings in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In line with the new Police Act, officers to be enlisted in the new tactical Police unit will be tested psychologically and mentally to be sure that they are fit for the operations.”
“This will put a big check on Police abuse and extrajudicial killing which we have witnessed over the decades,’’ he said.
The international hacker group , Anonymous yesterday released the following statements concerning the End Sars protest by Nigerian youths via their twitter account.
“We don’t know who started the 72-hour ultimatum rumor nor why it is credited to our account. Either way, the Nigerian government has been blindly running in circles all night chasing its own tail.”
Anonymous will not abandon the #EndSARS movement as it grows stronger by the day.
“The money that will be wasted on Operation Crocodile Smile VI is better suited to pay the victims of SARS and the brave protestors hurt by old corrupt men clinging to power. @HQNigerianArmy quit embarrassing yourselves. #EndSARS.”
“There is nothing to expose when your leaders are openly parasites that cling to power to siphon national wealth. Corruption and impunity will not end by hacking websites or bank theft, it’ll end through resistance and innovation in the streets. The world is with you. #EndSARS”
“Websites will continue to go down and leaks will continue to pour, the Nigerian government falls short in cyberspace. They don’t fear ‘Anonymous’ they fear the youth and overall they fear a united Nigeria that exists in the streets and beyond hashtags. That’s the power. #EndSARS”
Following the heightening protests against police brutality across the country, the Nigerian Army has warned it is prepared to protect the country’s democracy at all cost.
Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”
Lieutenant General TY Buratai (Chief of Army Staff)
According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.
“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.
Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”
According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.
“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.
During the late hours of yesterday , the co-founder and C.E.O of Twitter, Jack Dorsey solicited for support towards the ongoing “end sars” protest in Nigeria.
He did this through his verified Twitter account and of course, this caused a lot of controversial comments on Twitter. Many Nigerians praised him for showing his concern for Nigerian youths , while others criticised his action.
Jack wrote ;
“Donate via #Bitcoin to help #ENDSARS.”
However, amongst those who criticised Jack Dorsey , is a former presidential aspirant for the 2019 presidential election and C.E.O of IPI group limited, Adam Garba.
Adamu Garba replied Jack Dorsey by tweeting the following statements;
“Dear @jack, It’ll do you a lot more good if you stay away from Nigerian Politics. You should know that the so-called #EndSARS protest have transformed into political agitation, capable of breaking law & order in our country. You should not be a moral & financial sponsor to this.”
“This is Nigeria, most of the demands initially presented was attended to by the responsible authorities. SARS no longer exist in this country. Your support for a disbanded entity was a needless interference. We cannot allow killings again in Nigeria in the name of protests.”
“I understand that this may play well to your business, you have more content, more people & more activity on your platform, but to us is about life, peace & security of our dear Country, we cannot allow you to be part of the people sponsoring disorder. We need peace & prosperity.”
“I can see you are even sharing a link for people to donate money for this protest, an event capable of escalation beyond our already overstretched security management. If this protest continues to evolve into disorder (hopefully not)…As a Nigerian citizen, we’ll meet in court. Thank you. @jack”
Nigerian youths are complaining and showing their grievances through a nationwide protest. The inadequacies of our government brought about the protest. However, I have given up not on the possibility of a better Nigeria but I have given up on the act of complaining.
We all know how much energy the late legendary afro singer and human right activist , Fela Kuti , put into his music. He sang about the effect of corruption and bad governance. He sang for change , rebellion against police brutality and every issue that has caused Nigeria to remain in this pathetic state. Despite all he sang about, nothing has changed over the years…it only got worse. Why wouldn’t I give up on complaining ? Fela’s mother was killed by soldiers, that was his reward for singing against bad governance.
In Nigeria today , we have no freedom to express our grievances without getting arrested by policemen. Take a look at what is happening nationwide at the moment…many youths took to the streets of various states in the country to protest peacefully, yet so many got killed and brutalized by people who are meant to protect us , “The Nigerian Police Force”.
The sovereign of our past hero are typically wasted today, do you know why? Majority of our politicians are still corrupt. In this case, how do the situation of things change? The few who raise their voices to speak are mercilessly dealt with. This is our reality !
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has released statements concerning the END SARS protest.
He stated the following;
I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today. The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides.
Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja.
As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.
I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom.
Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.
A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation. All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.
My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.
I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.
We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.
I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.
I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.
His imperial majesty , Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has made his grievances about the police brutality in Nigeria known via his Twitter account.
He stated the following;
” The #ENDSARS movement has brought nothing but joy to me. Finally, the youths are awake, with one voice and a common goal.”
“I understand your plight, my 25 year old daughter had a nasty experience with SARS, almost losing her life.”
“On her way to the airport, she was stopped and terribly ransacked and surrounded by fully armed plain clothes policemen in a bus, detained for close to 30mins of thorough questioning.”
“Imagine a young female for that matter, all her belongings completely searched all because she was with a laptop on an official assignment from her office in lagos. I can only imagine the countless ones that have lost their lives from such ordeals, may their souls rest in peace.”
“I assure you that this is the beginning of greater things to come in Nigeria. I implore you to demand for more, but plead with you to do so in a peaceful manner, as anything outside of that will cause unnecessary havoc for all.”
“I have been informed of many innocent souls that were arrested and currently been detained, be rest assured that I am pursuing the matter and they will be set free.”
“To the men and women of the Nigerian police force, be assured that this movement is also for you, we know you are humans also and your reality is as a result of your environment.”
“This movements demands better on your behalf, and is aimed at pushing the government to do better for you and elevate your standard of living. Do not persecute your advocates. God bless Nigerian youths and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY”
The Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has addressed the people of Oyo state concerning the killing of protesters by policemen in Ogbomosho.
He made his deepest regret known via the video he shared on his social media account. He stated that protest is a fundamental human right, below is the video of the governor’s address.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has announced the decision to dissolve the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the operatives will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.
Adamu announced this in a live broadcast on Sunday.
The announcement came after days of online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide.
At the briefing, the IGP said,
“The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36 states police command and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Frank Mba,Nigerian Police Force Public Officer has opined that some social media celebrities are using the End SARS campaign to grow their fan base.
He further noted that these celebrities are seeking public validation.
Frank Mba said in an Interview yesterday;
“I have seen some of those who are pushing for end SARS who are just pseudo-activists, people who are desperate for public validation, people who are looking to be seen as social media influencers and I will tell you these are the people that post false items, fake news.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday finally reacted for the call to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad over their alleged brutality in the country.
Nigerians have been protesting against the activities of the police operatives for some past few days.
Buhari in a statement released on Friday night noted that he had met with the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The president expressed his determination to reform the Police Force and ensure that officers are fully accountable to Nigerians.
Few minutes ago, the president of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the on going “END SARS” protest in Nigeria.
He stated the following;
“I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people.”
“The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice. I appeal for patience & calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.”
“The vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, and we will continue to support them to do their job.”
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