- Police brutality is an age long-term bedevilling the Nigerian society
- On October 20, 2020, Nigerian youths experienced the Lekki Massacre during the EndSARS protest and yearly, a memorial is observed
- TheRadar spotlights 4 films on police brutality to mark this year’s #EndSars protest Memorial
Four years ago, Nigerian youths stormed the streets, placards in hands, waving flags in the air, roof-shattering voices and marching in unison to protest against police brutality, tagged #EndSARS protest.
The oppression and brutality they were subjected to had filled up to the brim, and when one is pushed too far against the wall, what would you have them do?
A group of EndSars Protesters at Lekki Toll gate | Credit: X
On October 20, 2020, these aggrieved youths continued their protests but were met with gunfire and teargas at the Lekki Toll Gate; an event that later became the Lekki Massacre.
In filmmaking, telling stories within the palace of critical issues bewildering the society has always been amplified. As Nigerian youths reflect on the annual memorial for lives that were lost on October 20 and the events that still traumatized them, TheRadar curated 4 Nollywood films that criticise police brutality in Nigeria and reflect relatable issues of the EndSars protest.
4 Nollywood films to mark #EndSars Memorial 2024
- Collision Course (2021)
There is no doubt that the Collision Course was greatly inspired by the 2020 EndSars protest and police brutality. The film, however, dwells more on the impact of rogue law enforcement officers on the Nigerian society. The plot follows a law enforcement officer struggling to make ends meet and an aspiring musician whose worlds collide. The movie directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters is one to remember for the #EndSarsMemorial.
- One Too Many (2022)
With the issue of police brutality at its peak in Nigeria, Kayode Kasum’s One Too Many is a melodrama that explores the distressing truths of the Nigerian police and corrupt judicial system with a fresh perspective. The plot follows Adesua, played by Dakore Akande, whose son is wrongly accused of killing his best friend. In the web of false accusations, Adesua is forced to relive scars imprinted on her by the same police system. The film is both traumatising and realistic in portraying the true state of what our police and judicial systems have been reduced to over the years.
- Jolly Roger (2022)
Unlike the usual police brutality, where victims are faced with unfair treatment, Jolly Roger explores what it would be like if victims took laws into their own hands. It follows the story of a man who sets out to kidnap two corrupt police officers after disguising himself as a fraudster. He does so to teach them a lesson. The officers finally see their actions inflicted on them. The 2022 film is directed by Walter Taylaur.
- The Black Book (2023)
From police brutality to crime, grief, personal judgment, a leg and arm for an eye, adrenaline and action, The Black Book is a Nollywood film that exposed the corruption in the Nigerian police system. Led by renowned actor Richard Mofe Damijo, we see how the police unlawfully arrest youths over unverified claims of being a ‘Yahoo’ boy. The story says “After his son is framed for kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his hands to fight a corrupt police gang to absolve both his crimes and his sins.” The Black Book was produced and directed by Editi Effiong.
TheRadar Box Office: Ranking 10 highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time
What truly makes a box office hit film? Some might say it is popularity or story or money. Regardless, some films have cracked the code. Blending relatable storytelling, unexpected plot twists, and captivating visuals, some filmmakers have been to keep their films on the lips of viewers.
From A Tribe Called Judah, Sugar Rush, The Wedding Party, and Mailaka, TheRadar curated a full list of all the Nollywood films that have risen as the Top 10 highest-grossing films of all time in descending order.
