• FCT Bans Street Protests

• IGP Warns Police Officers Against Use Of Force On Peaceful Protesters

• Kwara gov, deputy lead protesters to police headquarters

• Sanwo-Olu unveils identities of officers who brutalised #EndSARS protesters

• Reps summon IGP

• what Google said about #EndSARS protest

EndSARS protester kills two persons in Lagos

• Lagos bus services suspends operations

• Consider release of arrested protesters, sack of Nwafor done – Obiano tells #ENDSARS protesters

• Borno Assembly honours good SARS commander Mohammed

Ibe Pascal Arogorn

EndSARS protesters in Abuja have taken their protest to the National Assembly Complex.

The protesters marched from Unity Fountain in the nation’s capital to the Assembly complex.

They continued their lamentation about extra-judicial killings and demanded justice for victims of police brutality.

Security operatives at the National Assembly complex cordoned off the entrance of the complex.

Abuja protesters are not backing down any time soon, National Assembly road is blocked, this the energy we need.#EndSWAT #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/uixEBLz53v

— 𝓗𝓲 𝓘’𝓶 𝔀𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝔁 💞👑 (@Prettywummex_) October 15, 2020

📍ABUJA WE’RE CURRENTLY IN FRONT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY! PULL UP! #ENDSWAT #ABUJAPROTESTS #LOCATIONUPDATE DIA PAPA ✊🏿🤍

— ‘tomi (@tomiobanure) October 15, 2020

Abuja protesters are currently at the National Assembly complex. If you are in Abuja, please head to the National Assembly. Let our voices be heard. pic.twitter.com/4IlJte7EAv

— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) October 15, 2020

The #EndSARS protest has been on in different parts of the country as Nigerian youths who have had enough from the Police and government are beginning to voice out their rage. The peaceful protest has been on in different states since Thursday, 06 October.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has dissolved the notorious SARS police unit in response to the massive outcry. However, the protest has continued as protesters demand total reformation of the entire police structure.

Northern Governors want reformed SARS: Governor Lalong

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has appealed to those protesting against SARS in spite its disbandment by the president, to stop their agitation as government had met all their demands.

He stated that not all the state governors in the northern part were in support of the disbandment of SARS.

Lalong, who is also chairman of Northern Governors Forum spoke on Thursday after visiting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Plateau governor said some of the northern governors wanted a reformed SARS instead of its disbandment.

“Some people (including governors), said they don’t want SARS, some said they want SARS, but a reformed SARS.

“They want a reformed SARS because as far as they are concerned, some of these SARS operatives have helped them in addressing insecurity.

“If there are bad ones, holistically, bring them together and reform them.

“So, our opinion and conclusion at that stage is that let us not just say that we are throwing away the baby with bath water. If there are good ones, you don’t chase them away.

“So, as SARS is banned, we are now looking forward to the other options because most of the States in the north said no. They want SARS because SARS helps them.

“Borno said without SARS, he would not have been surviving today. Niger also wants SARS.

“So, if you are addressing this issue of SARS, you need to know what is wrong in some places. Is it the process of recruitment? Is it the character of the people? You can’t say because somebody is wrong, everybody is wrong in the country.

“These are some of the issues we concluded yesterday. It’s for the Chairman (Gov. Fayemi of Ekiti), to go and meet Mr President to still look at this issue holistically and critically so that we understand where we are going.

“On a whole, we all agreed that there must be general reform within the Police. But you can’t do general reform without proper funding.’’

Lalong said he updated President Muhammadu Buhari on security developments across the northern parts of the country and also expressed support for ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Police Force.

The governor said he also briefed the president on the state of community policing in Plateau.

He disclosed that already, those recruited by the state for community policing have commenced training in Makurdi.

“As the chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, I am here to also update him (Buhari) and to remind him about certain issues discussed with Mr President that have now taken place.

“For instance, when we had the challenge of insecurity all over the north, we called for community policing.

“So, when you see things being done, it’s good to also update him. Things are going our way now because the training of community Policemen is going on at various zones, particularly for me in Pleateau State.

“About 70 percent of those we recruited for community policing are now in Makurdi undergoing training. Just yesterday, I appointed a new coordinator, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), to take care of it.

“This is to tell you that things about security should be taken seriously if we have to keep the nation united.

“Secondly, we are also aware that so many issues are cropping up and people are making suggestions which Mr President has gladly accepted.

“Some of the recommendations are disbandment of the SARS and also refunding and reform of the Police.

“These are issues that require all leaders’ contributions to Mr President so that we can have a way forward in addressing the national security of the state.’’

Lalong stated that the government must equally address the problems facing the NPF, including its financial and logistics challenges.

FCT Bans Street Protests

In line with the COVID-19 protocols, the Federal Capital Territory Security Committee has directed that all street demonstrations, protests, and processions will not be allowed anywhere within its environs henceforth.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, on Thursday explained that the decision became necessary due to the dangers posed by the outbreak of the pandemic.

Mr. Ogunleye noted that the committee is satisfied with the directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {ARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian Police.

He added that despite the pronouncement by the IGP scrapping the unit, the #EndSARS protests continued in parts of the FCT, causing inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.

“The security committee has reiterated the commitment of the FCT administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure, and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment”.

Read Full Statement Below:

The FCT Security Committee met for its routine meeting on Tuesday October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.

1. The meeting which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as Area Council Chairmen.

After extensive deliberations, the Committee came up with the following resolutions:

i. The Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police.

ii. It also noted that in response to the directive of the President and the yearnings of the Nigerian people, the Inspector General of Police has dissolved the SARS across the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.

iii. However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.

iv. While the Committee recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, it has observed that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.

v. These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.

vi. For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.

vii. Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters.

viii. Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT.

ix. The Committee also noted the progress being made in the fight against robberies in illegal and unregistered, commercial motor vehicles known as “one chance” and is committed to the introduction of innovative measures that will ensure the safety of commuters.

x. It however advises commuters to continue to exercise caution and remain vigilant while boarding commercial vehicles.

xi. With the advent of the “Ember” months, the Committee reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users across the FCT in accordance with existing guidelines by relevant agencies.

xii. It however seeks the cooperation of residents to obey all extant traffic rules and regulations while travelling during this period.

xiii. The Committee also noted with satisfaction the successful re-opening of schools after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It however calls on parents, students and school authorities to continue to comply with the extant COVID-19 safety protocols.

xiv. The Security Committee reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment.

IGP Warns Police Officers Against Use Of Force On Peaceful Protesters

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has warned all Police Officers across the country against the use of force on peaceful protesters.

According to a communique by the police spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the IGP noted that citizens have fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly, and movement which must always be upheld and protected by the police.

The boss on Thursday however appealed to protesters to continually conduct themselves peacefully and guide their ranks against infiltration by criminal elements.

He stressed that the Force leadership has clearly heard the voice of the people and is irrevocably committed to doing everything within its powers to address the observed ills, punish any offending officers and promote a people-friendly police force.

Sanwo-Olu unveils identities of officers who brutalised #EndSARS protesters

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has named some officers “who brutalised” #EndSARS protesters in the state.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, the governor said four officers involved in the incident are currently undergoing orderly room trial.

“Lagos state is taking the issue of police misconduct very very seriously. Earlier this week, we all recorded an incident that happened at the Area C command in Surulere. All the four erring officers whose names I will also mention have also been apprehended and they are going through an orderly room trial,” he said.

“They’re Inspector Bagou Michael, Inspector Ekpoudom Etop, Sergeant Nnamdi Madura and Sergeant Akinyemi Benson. All the four officers have been identified and like I said, they’re going through an orderly room trial as we speak.”

The governor, who noted that some of the #EndSARS demands have been met, while others are work in progress, appealed to the youth to reconsider the decision to continue with the protest.

“As leaders, if your voices have been heard, if your agitation has been well taken care of, you now need to move on. That’s what we’re asking,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu promised to ensure the release of any protester still in police custody, and announced the setup of a judicial panel of enquiry to investigate cases of police brutality.

The panel will be chaired by Doris Okuwobi, retired judge of the Lagos high court.

“They will be given a six-month assignment in the first instance and the details of their terms of reference will be sent out by the attorney-general. There are three numbers that we’ve identified for them, and from Monday, those numbers will go live. The numbers are 09010513203 09010513204 and 09010513205.”

Kwara gov, deputy lead protesters to police headquarters

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday walked along with hundreds of #EndSARS protesters to the police headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital, urging them to remain calm and peaceful while their grievances are promptly addressed.

Acknowledging the grievances of the protesters , AbdulRazaq said he and a few governors and some businessmen have recently held a zoom meeting with some individuals involved in the protest movement following which their five -point demands were forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari .

According to a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, his Chief Press Secretary , Abdulrazaq said the President was already acting on the five -point demands of the protesters .

Accompanied by his deputy , Kayode Alabi , the governor joined the protest from the Government House on Ahmadu Bello way where the protesters , who were mostly youths had converged, briefly addressed them , and then led them to the police headquarters on their request .
Addressing the protesters at the police headquarters , AbdulRazaq said the young people have spoken loud and clear and would have their interest protected by the government .
He announced the setting up of an ombudsman through which people can channel their grievances and have the same attended to in the state.

“ However you look at it, we are all victims . I have since joined the protest . Some of you may notice online that I joined a Zoom meeting on Monday with Hajia Aisha Yesufu , Aliko Dangote, Wizkid , and others to arrive at a resolution on this protest. It was part of this what led to the five – point agenda which is being implemented now by the federal government . The President is definitely listening to the complaints, ” AbdulRazaq said .

“ The Commissioner of Police has listened to your complaints here . I have also listened . I thank you for your calmness , ” he added .

“ I urge you to please give ( Mr President ) the time to implement the five -point agenda. A reform is definitely coming to address all the issues. ”

Kwara State Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun, who also addressed the protesters , commended them for being peaceful .

“ I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police is with the youth. We have heard your report against some of our officers. I want to implore you to report anything against the Police in this state to me directly . I assure you that action will be taken, ” Egbetokun said

Reps summon IGP

An ad hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives on the ongoing nationwide protests against the Special Anti- Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, has summoned the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

The IGP is to appear before the special panel on October 22, 2020.

The panel, which is made up of the House Committees on Justice, Human Rights and Police Affairs, will also conduct town hall meetings across the country to hear from Nigerians on the matter .

Chairman of the joint committee , Ugonna Ozurigbo , while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, said , “ It is important to note at this juncture , bearing in mind the urgency of the matter at hand , that the joint committee has swung into action to carry out its mandate by taking the following actions: “ Invited the Inspector General of police to appear before it on Thursday, 22 October , 2020.

“ Preparing to conduct public hearings in the six geopolitical zones of the country . Details of this shall be made available to the general public .

“ Created dedicated WhatsApp platforms – 09130248644, 09075619076; and email –
nass. policeinvestigation @ gmail. c for victims of police brutality , families of deceased victims and victims that are unlawfully detained by the operatives of the defunct SARS , to furnish the committee with information that would enable it carry out this all – important task . ”
Ozurigbo recalled how the House had earlier urged the IGP to take a decisive action to stop the brutality and human rights violation by SARS.

Ozurigbo said the police boss was also to produce a comprehensive record of disciplinary and/or judicial actions taken against officers accused of abuse of power in the past five years .

He further recalled that part of the resolution passed by the lawmakers was for the IGP to produce an immediate plan for identification and compensation of victims , while resolving to amend existing laws and the Constitution and replace them with provisions that ensure judicial review of police actions.

The framework , according to the lawmaker , would allow holding individual members of the Nigeria Police Force accountable for their conduct in the course of the performance of their duties , including criminal and civil liabilities .

Meanwhile , protesters on Thursday laid siege to the main gate of the National Assembly , forcing security operatives to shut other entrances linking to the complex.

The gate adjoining the National Assembly Complex and Presidential Villa was shut, just as the gate to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation , through which lawmakers and workers also access the complex was also closed for some hours.

The gates were eventually opened to traffic after the protesters proceeded from the main gate for another location .

Consider release of arrested protesters, sack of Nwafor done – Obiano tells #ENDSARS protesters

Governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano, has commended the comportment of #ENDSARS protesters in the state, promising to address their demands.

Addressing protesters who blocked the State Government House, Obiano said that he has sacked his Senior Special Adviser on security, who according to Punch violated people’s rights during his reign as the Commander of SARS in Anambra.

His words: “I am very happy with the way you have conducted yourselves. You have conducted yourselves creditably.

“I have a list of all your demands. Some of them have already been met, like the SARS being disbanded. That has already been met, and some are still in the pipeline which I am going to present to the president. The other ones, I can handle myself.

“Your first request is immediate prosecution and removal of James Nwafor, the immediate release of all protesters in police custody. Consider those ones done.

“As for compensation of family of SARS victims, the Attorney General and the leadership of police will look into this and make recommendations to me.

“I support your protest, police brutality and extortion are not allowed anywhere. Any police officer that does that, copy his name and let us know.”

what Google said about #EndSARS protest

Global Organization of Oriented Group Language of Earth (GOOGLE) has also shown support for the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria as the protest continues to attract global attention.

The firm which specializes in Internet-related services and products in a tweet on Thursday stated that it is against oppression, brutality and intimidation.

They also called for a speedy response and resolution to the current situation.

“We strongly oppose oppression, brutality & intimidation. We believe a fair and impartial police force is a critical element of a stable society, & that abuse of power infringes on people’s democratic & human rights. We urge a speedy resolution to the current situation. #EndsSARS Google tweeted.

We strongly oppose oppression, brutality & intimidation. We believe a fair and impartial police force is a critical element of a stable society, & that abuse of power infringes on people’s democratic & human rights. We urge a speedy resolution to the current situation. #EndsSARS

— Google in Africa (@googleafrica) October 15, 2020

Lagos bus services suspends operations

The Managing Director, Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), Mr Idowu Oguntona has suspended all bus operations for the safety of passengers following the EndSARS protest in the city.

A statement by LBSL Public Affairs Officer, Afolabi Olawale, disclosed that Oguntona said the suspension was due to a viral video on social media of thugs who disrupted protesters at Alausa coming out of bus 240171.

“This is contrary to the narratives being circulated across social media in respect of a bus belonging to LBSL captured at the Secretariat Bus Stop, Alausa this morning,” he said.

Oguntona said that the bus was heading towards Oshodi from Berger around 8 a.m when some armed individuals disembarked from a particular yellow vehicle in front of the bus at the Secretariat Bus Stop.

“One of our buses during the normal cause of operations ran into approaching armed people this morning. When the people were sighted armed and heading towards our bus, commuters in the bus scampered for safety due to the imminent danger.

“One of the passengers even tried to escape through the rear window of the bus. However, the armed group, whose identity remain unknown, later went their way without attacking the bus,” he said.

Oguntona said that no LBSL Bus was used to commute persons to disrupt the ongoing protests.

“Gov. Sanwo-Olu has consistently spoken to protesters on their rights to peaceful protest, hence cannot support thugs in any form.

“It is quite disheartening that this incident is linked to the activities of some hoodlums in spite of the level of understanding shown by the state government since the beginning of the #EndSarsProtest.

“I plead for understanding from all esteemed passengers. I reiterate the rights of people to peaceful protests and condemn any attack on people participating in the protest,” he said.

protester kills two persons in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one of the #EndSARS protesters for allegedly killing two persons in Alagbado area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The suspect, Mrs Nike Lawal of No. 30, Anjorin Street, Aminkanle, Lagos State, an #EndSARS protester, was said to have driven recklessly and killed two innocent Nigerians at Ikola Road, Alagbado area of Lagos, on Wednesday.

A statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Lagos Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi said Lawal was the driver of Toyota 4 Runner SUV with REG. NO. GGE 346 BK that ran into a tricycle and killed the duo of Ojo Azeez, 27 years and Yusuf Sodia, 26 years, both of Command road, Alagbado, Lagos State.

“The suspect, who intentionally removed the number plates on her SUV, as at the time of the incident, joined the protest at AIT junction, Alagbado, and started driving recklessly, like many other protesters, before the fatal accident,” he said.

Muyiwa said the Commisioner of Police has commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured them of the command’s commitment to having justice in the case; and that the command would not relent in its efforts in maintaining peace, law and order within the state.

Borno Assembly honours good SARS commander Mohammed

Borno House of Assembly on Thursday honoured the state Commander of defunct SARS, CSP Ibrahim Mohammed, for his gallantry in the fight against insurgency in the state.

The house presented a plaque to Mohammed.

The house at its Thursday plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abdullahi Askira, said members of defunct FSARS in Borno under the leadership of Mohammed played a vital role in the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes.

Leader of the House, Alhaji Dige Mohammed, who read the Mohammed’s citation, recalled how he raided and repelled the insurgents’ attacks in some local government areas.

“On 21st of July 2020, the team had another encounter with the insurgents in large numbers at Mainok in Kaga LGA. After a fierce battle, the team dislodged the insurgents and recovered two gun trucks.

“On 13 July 2020, another encounter ensued with Boko Haram who ambushed motorists along Auno -Jakana- Damaturu highway. The team recovered two anti-aircraft guns with four spare barrels, one machine gun with 251 ammunitions, eight AK 47 and two magazines.

“On 14th July 2020, SARS rescued two soldiers abducted by Boko Haram fighters along Maiduguri-Damaturu road and recovered several arms abandoned by the terrorists,” the house leader said.

Mohammed lauded the house and the people of Borno for the honour, which he said was a good commendation for the police, particularly members of his team at this critical period of protests.

“I am still a policeman and will continue to discharge my duty in the fight against crime,” Mohammed said.