- Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola said the #EndSARS memorial gathering was illegal due to lack of clearance
- Twenty-two protesters arrested during the event reportedly faced mistreatment
- Human rights organisations condemned police actions against peaceful demonstrators across multiple states
In a statement regarding the #EndSARS memorial gathering at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos State Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola declared the event illegal.
Lack of protest clearance triggers Police response, Ishola
This was disclosed during a briefing with the Channels Television on Sunday, October 20, where Ishola noted that the protesters had not obtained the necessary police clearance before their demonstration, which contributed to the police response at the event.
“Constitutionally, they should write to me as the Commissioner of Police of their intention to do so (protest), they did not write to us and as such, any of such gathering is illegal and by extension, police will not allow it to happen,” Ishola stated.
The commissioner emphasised that law enforcement is fully aware of citizens' constitutional rights. However, he explained the importance of adhering to the nation's laws while exercising these rights. He added that police personnel have been deployed to key areas throughout the state to prevent any potential disturbances.
Demonstrators gather at Lekki toll gate for #endsars memorial
Demonstrators gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, which highlighted the urgent need to address police brutality in Nigeria. The memorial aimed to honour the lives lost during the 2020 protests against police violence.
During the event, twenty-two protesters were arrested and reportedly subjected to mistreatment by the Nigerian police. Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), confirmed their release, noting that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police personally intervened at the Panti Police Station to secure their freedom.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), criticised the Nigerian police for deploying officers to disrupt peaceful protests, not only in Lagos but across Osun and other regions.
Commissioner Ishola assures better policing for Lagos residents
The State Police Commissioner, Olanrewaju Ishola said, “What we had was gotten on social media. There are some people who want to celebrate the fourth anniversary of EndSARS.
“We’ve been here since 12 a.m. overnight and all over Lagos, we have taken over the traditional points where protesters can gather. We are not averse to anybody exercising their fundamental rights, but the law of the land must be emplaced. So that’s the very essence of why we are here today.
“So far so good, it’s been total non-acceptance of any disruption here and throughout the state in general. Earlier in the day, I went around all parts of Lagos like I said, all the traditional points, Gana Park, Freedom Park, Ikeja Underbridge, Alausa Mall, places of government infrastructure that they may want to unleash me.
“We have all the place covered, and we have Lagos undercover, security-wise. I promise Lagos they are going to experience better policing and they have reasons to be Lagosians. It is a state that works, nobody can disrupt the activities of the government here,” Ishola futher stated.
Nigerians mark Independence Day with “fearless in October” protests, reiterate demand for reforms
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that as Nigeria celebrated its Independence Day on October 1, a significant protest called the “Fearless in October” also took place, echoing the demands from the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August.
The protesters pushed for solutions to the high cost of living, and reforms in electoral processes, among others.