LAGOS: Protesters commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests against police brutality and extrajudicial killings at the Lekki Toll Gate have accused police of using violence during their memorial procession on Sunday.
A small group gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, a location synonymous with anti government protests in Lagos State, to remember those who lost their lives in the October 2020 demonstrations, but faced strong opposition from law enforcement agencies
We are here to honour the anniversary of #EndSARS, yet we were confronted by police officers led by the commissioner of police. One of the protester stated in a video shared on X by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong. “I’m currently speaking to you from a police van, having been beaten and brutalized. An officer even removed my glasses without any provocation.
The protester questioned, “When did it become illegal to protest in this country?”
In response, the Lagos State Police Command stated that the protesters did not seek permission or notify them before holding the rally.
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The law requires them to write to me as the Commissioner of Police, which they did not do. Therefore, any gathering without this notification is illegal, and the police will not allow it,” explained Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola to reporters. He acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights but emphasized that they must abide by the laws of the land.
Meanwhile, international rights organization Amnesty International condemned the police’s actions at the Lekki Toll Gate. “Amnesty International denounces the Nigerian police for their violent response to peaceful protesters honouring those killed during the #EndSARS protests. The use of tear gas and arrests is unacceptable,” the organization stated on X.