- Two dead as hoodlums attack #EndSARS protesters in Benin
- One dead as driver rams car into Ondo protesters
- Police commission to dismiss 37 ex-SARS officers
- Police open fire as protesters march to Anambra SARS headquarters
- Protesters observe Juma’at at Lekki toll gate, Lagos Assembly road
- Time to allow Police to unionize – Aremu
- FG trivialising protesters’ demands ― Wike
- protesters disrupt business activities in Ogun
- Let’s demand an end to killings in North – Coalition tells protesters
- Apostle Suleman endorses protest
- My Phone Lines Have Been Bombarded With Curses, Says Adesina
- protesters highlight 7 demands for Buhari
- Protesters To Hold Candlelight Procession In Lagos
- Group Raises N69m In Support Of Protests
- Abuja protesters ignore ban , block Abuja airport road
Ibe Pascal Arogorn
At least two persons died when hoodlums attacked #EndSARS protesters at Ring Road, Benin , in Edo State on Friday.
The hoodlums , who stormed the venue of the protest , attacked the protesters with machetes and other weapons .
The protesting youths were calling on the government to end impunity and police brutality.
The PUNCH gathered that some of the attackers , who sell tickets , at the Ring Road motor park, were furious over low patronage since the protest began in the Edo State capital.
Edo State Governor , Godwin Obaseki, confirmed the killings without giving the exact number of casualties . He , however , said “ lives ” were lost.
In a series of tweets after the incident, the governor condemned the attack on #EndSARS protesters .
He said , “ I have just learnt that hoodlums have attacked #ENDSARS protesters , who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City . I extend condolences to the victims of the attacks , including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs .
I have just learnt that hoodlums are attacking
EndSARS protesters , who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City . I extend condolences to the victims of the attack , including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs .
— Godwin Obaseki ( GGO ) (@ GovernorObaseki )
October 16, 2020
“ It is disheartening that anyone would attack a peaceful assembly of young people who are expressing genuine concerns over police brutality and intimidation in their own country.
“ Thorough investigation would be conducted immediately to fish out the culprits of the attack on peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Benin City , and we would do all possible within the law to ensure those culpable are brought to justice .
“ I hereby call on the Edo State Police Command to get out on the streets and provide adequate security for the protesters and ensure that no one is harassed in the course of exercising their rights. ”
One dead as driver rams car into Ondo #EndSARS protesters
A car rammed into #EndSARS protesters in Ondo State , killing one person and injuring three others .
It was gathered that the incident happened in front of the Ondo State Governor ’ s Office , in the Alagbaka area of Akure on Thursday.
The accident involved a Toyota Camry with a number plate , LND 778 GL , and two commercial motorcycles .
One of the victims was said to have died on the spot while others were rushed to the hospital.
Confirming the incident , Public Relations Officer of the state police command , Mr Tee – Leo Ikoro , said the deceased was one of the #EndSARS protesters
He also stated that the driver was immediately arrested.
He said , “ The family of the deceased have agreed to accept their fate and they have requested for the body for burial . So they have settled the matter . ”
Police commission to dismiss 37 ex-SARS officers
No fewer than 37 former members of the disbanded Special Anti – Robbery Squad have been pencilled down for dismissal from service .
The Police Service Commission is also expected to order the prosecution of 24 other ex -SARS operatives for various acts of professional misconduct.
These were the highlights of the Report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad set up by the Federal Government in 2018 to reform the dreaded unit .
The presidential panel had , among other things , investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS and recommended reform or restructuring of the outfit .
Presenting the report to the PSC Chairman , Musiliu Smith , in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission , Tony Ojukwu, called for a speedy implementation of the panel recommendations .
A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani , said Ojukwu observed that the PSC chairman has all it takes to deal appropriately with the report of the panel.
The statement was titled , ‘ PSC to partner Human Rights Commission, promises immediate action on report of presidential panel on reform of SARS. ’
“ We have come to see a PSC determined to play a leading role in the reform of the Nigeria Police Force, ” Ojukwu was quoted to have said .
Ojukwu said the reform was the most topical issue in the country today, adding that a lot was expected from the PSC.
He noted that the panel called for and received 113 complaints on alleged human rights violations from across the country and 22 memoranda on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police Force in general .
The statement said , “ Ojukwu said at the end of the public hearing, the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution .
“ The panel also directed the Inspector -General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens. ”
Receiving a copy of the report , Smith said the PSC would collaborate and support the NHRC in the promotion of good governance.
He , however , said that for effective reform of “ the much -maligned SARS, ” there must be a deliberate effort to select capable, professional and credible people to replace the disbanded outfit.
The selected officers , he added , must be properly trained and exposed to regular training .
Smith stated , “ There must also be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit . ”
Any misconduct, he noted , should be severely and promptly handled .
The former IG said the government should show more concern on the funding of its vital agencies as they needed robust funding to do their job.
He also made a case for proper and good accommodation for police officers , stressing that “ these officers need good accommodation to put in their best . ”
Protesters observe Juma’at at Lekki toll gate, Lagos Assembly road
EndSARS protesters who are Muslims on Friday observed their Juma’ at prayers at Lekki toll gate and Lagos State House of Assembly road , Alausa .
The PUNCH gathered that the protesters also observed the Friday prayers on the road in Abuja .
At the Juma ’ at service held at Governor ’ s road in Alausa , some Christian protesters watched on while others provided cover for the praying Muslims .
During the prayer session , other protest activities were suspended .
One of the worshippers at Alausa, Ismail Adam , said the imam preached about love and unity .
“ The Imam spoke briefly about love and unity . He also encouraged us to persevere and pray for our leaders . We also prayed for Nigeria ’ s progress. After our prayers , everybody , including some Christians, chorused ‘ aamin ’ , ” Adam added .
According to the protest schedule released on Thursday, Christians are also expected to worship at their protest grounds on Sunday .
The schedule showed that the Sunday Service of DayStar ’ s Pastor Sam Adeyemi would be streamed live at Lekki toll gate.
There have been protests in most parts of the country since Wednesday last week by Nigerians, mostly youths, who called for disbanding of SARS , accusing the police squad of corruption, high – handedness and harassment
On Sunday , the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, disbanded the squad and on Tuesday, he set up the Special Weapons and Tactics Team to replace the disbanded SARS.
Despite the disbanding of the squad, #EndSARS campaigners presented five demands to the Federal Government , which the later on Tuesday said it had accepted.
The campaigners ’ five demands include release of all persons arrested by the disbanded police unit and justice for victims of police brutality; setting up an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct ( within 10 days); psychological evaluation of all disbanded SARS officers before they can be redeployed , and increase police salary so that they can be adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens.
But the protests took a fresh dimension on Wednesday when hoodlums bearing cutlasses and sticks attacked protesters in Lagos and Abuja .
Police open fire as protesters march to Anambra SARS headquarters
Sounds of gunfire rented the air as protesters marched to the headquarters of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in Awkuzu, Anambra, on Friday.
The protesters, who were led by Chinedu Okoli, highlife maestro better known as Flavour; Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, a rapper better known as Phyno, Kingsley Okonkwo, singer better known as Kcee, were chanting “End SARS! End SARS!”.
The massive crowd had converged on Awka, the state capital, from where they moved to the disbanded SARS office to demand the shut down of the facility.
The Akwuzu SARS office, led by one James Nwafor, has been accused of gross misconduct, arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings.
While endorsing the #EndSARS protest on Thursday, Willie Obiano, governor of the state, announced that Nwafor would be prosecuted.
The governor said he would visit all the SARS offices in the state and ensure the immediate release of protesters that have been detained by the police.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Bonaventure Mokweh, a hotelier, narrated his torture experience at the Akwuzu detention facility.
He detailed how young men, who were arrested and kept in detention, were “murdered by the SARS operatives”.
Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustrative purposes
Group Raises N69m In Support Of EndSARS Protests
A group known as the Feminist Coalition has raised N69 million in support of the #EndSARS protests.
The group disclosed this on Friday via Twitter, noting that the funds will be used to support 128 protests across Nigeria in fighting injustice.
We’re moving to only accepting donations in Bitcoin using BTC Pay. BTC Pay is a free, secure, decentralized and censorship-resistant platform, which makes it our best option, given the past few days #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria
Please donate here: https://t.co/FvsEKetUL9
— feministcoalition (@feminist_co) October 15, 2020
Donate via #Bitcoin to help #EndSARS 🇳🇬 https://t.co/kf305SFXze
— jack (@jack) October 14, 2020
My Phone Lines Have Been Bombarded With Curses, Says Adesina
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina says he has been insulted and abused by Nigerians since the #ENDSARS protests began in the country.
“Those who wanted to, believed the television station,” Adesina said in a post on his website late Friday, referencing an old and manipulated video that made him seem to have labelled #EndSARS protests as “child’s play.”
“A large number chose not to and bombarded my phone lines with curses, expletives, and messages from the pit of hell. Well, if anybody chooses to belong to that nether region, it’s a matter of choice.”
The presidential aide explained that he kept mum, even though, after his number was posted online by a “hateful mind”, he was bombarded with calls until his phone batteries went dead.
“Talking of bombardment of my phone lines, it had begun on Sunday. A hateful mind had published my two numbers on Twitter, urging people to troll me,” he added.
“They called till the phone batteries went dead. Mum was the word from me. “He was reviled, but responded not,” that is what the Good Book said of my master, the one I try to pattern my life after.
“So, I said not a word to any of the callers. The flurry of hateful calls was petering out on Wednesday when the doctored video was launched. All hell broke loose again.”
Protesters To Hold Candlelight Procession In Lagos
EndSARS protesters in Lagos State are set to hold a candlelight procession later today, in honour of victims of extra judicial killings in the country.
The protesters are billed to hold the session around the Alausa area of the state and the Lekki Toll Gate, which have been the main converging points for those who have been demanding justice for the deceased.
This is the 10th day since the youths began taking to the streets and despite efforts by the government to quell the protests, it only appears to have gained more momentum.
On Sunday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, announced the dissolution of the unit which is at the centre of the protests – the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Days later, the IGP, set up a new unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, to replace the disbanded SARS.
Let’s demand an end to killings in North – Coalition tells #ENDSARS protesters
A Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Kaduna, has called on #ENDSARS protesters to redirect attention and join them in demanding immediate end to killings and destruction of lives in Northern Nigeria.
The coalition was impressed by the Federal Government’s swift reaction to the demands of the #ENDSARS protesters, and subsequent disbanding of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
Groups in the coalition were the Northern Anticorruption Front, Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Assembly, Citizens Action on Good Governance, Nigeria Citizens Action Group, Unified Nigerian Youth Forum, Youth Movement for Better Kaduna State, The Kaduna Breeds and Kaduna Social Media Forum.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna ,the coalition urged the Federal Government to deploy same energy used in the disbandment of SARS to end insecurity in the North.
Mr.Yusuf Amoke, leader of the coalition said, “we have witnessed a huge protest and demonstrations for citizens right all across the country, notable is the #ENDSARS protest that has not only attracted the physical participation of notable personalities in the sporting and entertainment and other industries but has witnessed virtual participation of notable international personalities and organizations.
“This unison in demand and mobilization strength couple with the listening tendencies of the Government, has resulted in the scraping of the unit of the police force. The brutality of SARS in some parts of the country with horrid details was too much to bear, and therefore condemnable in strong terms.
“We wish to use this opportunity to lend our voices of support and encouragement to the Young men and women of our generation who rose up against SARS brutality which led to the government’s quick response to the demands.
“We appreciate government for listening to the plight of the citizens and answering their demands quicker than anyone could guess which indeed demonstrated the powers of the people and responsive Government.
“The reality in the protest to end SARS is obviously real. But those protest coming afterwards is calling for serious concerns. As a result, we have itemized some of our demands to the Federal Government and to the protesters as well;
“The Government should use similar energy and responsiveness as used in ending SARS to end insecurity in the North.
“Government should redeploy members of the defunct SARS to some volitile northern states to help contain the insecurity as requested by the governor of Borno state and other Northern leaders.
“On a permanent basis, government should deploy security personnel on the Kaduna – Abuja highway to ensure safety of citizens.
“Government should improve on the welfare of our security personnel with assurance for better life for them and their family for efficiency and effectiveness.
“To our fellow comrades, we call for calm am and be civil in expressing our concern in order not to allow jobbers to take advantage of the situation and plunge our already fragile country into anarchy as we appreciate the Government for accepting the demand of the people by ending SARS.
“We equally call on all genuine comrades to put an end to the end-SARS struggle since our demands have been met and join us in calling to end insecurity in the North”, he said.
Apostle Suleman endorses #EndSARS protest
President, Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman has backed the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
He said the youths were demanding for a just cause, for an end of SARS.
According to him, Nigerian youths must have a future in Nigeria, saying he stood with them.
Suleman said all inmates currently in SARS cells should have their cases reviewed.
“All the inmates currently in SARS cells should have their cases reviewed…in as much as we fighting for the ones killed,what about the ones in detention over trumped up charges..tortured to admit under duress what they were innocent of..we need their cases reviewed..
“The Nigerian youth must have a future in nigeria..I stand with them..those.meant to maintain law cant be lawless…#EndSWAT,” he tweeted.
Time to allow Police to unionize – Aremu
Vice President, Industrial Global Union, Comrade Issa Aremu in a statement said it was time Police men and women were allowed to improve their conditions of work through free and independent associations and unions instead of the present regimented arrangement in which police unleashed pent of frustrations against the people they are paid to protect.
While praising the protesting youths for acknowledging the precarious conditions under which the police operate in the country, in their 5-point demands the labour leader however observed that “only free organized working police women and men can better freely speak for themselves”. “So far every body speaks for the police, often against them (due to the brutalities of the few in their ranks) but the police who do the work and wear the shoes can tell their stories better through free associations or trade unions”.
According to him police men and women face precarious working conditions which include, poor remuneration, forced postings, poor and lack of training among others.
He said the first move to “decolonize and reform” the police is to allow the ranks freedom of associations as contained in 1999 constitution (with a provision that they cannot go on strike, but they can channel their grievance through collective bargaining) as it is case in democratic countries like South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America (USA).
Comrade Aremu disclosed that there are almost one million Police men in America, 75-80% of them organized in unions, while in South Africa all service men are members of the South African Policing Union (SAPU) established in November 1993 with workers in Correctional services as members. He said while the current protests “understandably were one-sided” against serial unilinear atrocities of some men in uniforms he said the country needed “wholistic bird view of the crisis of policing for an enduring police reform”.
He recalled that in 2002 under former President Obasanjo administration, the country’s police forces went on strike over a dispute over wages and unpaid benefits during which the government deployed the army to take up duties normally done by them. He said there was the need to appreciate that those who must protect us must also be protected first against want”
“It’s time Nigeria considered the British and South African models of allowing police to have a union with a provision that they would not go on strike as essential services. Certainly police men and women need a platform to articulate their concerns about the jobs and their welfare. He said while there are abundant data about list of police brutalities, there are also cases of police men and women who have fallen casualties due to the activities of the criminals. “Only policemen and women can speak for themselves in a free association regulated by essential services law.” “If you deny police men and women open collective bargaining on their conditions of work and existence, they would do “collecting bargaining” and extortions at gunpoints at check points as we have seen over the years”. Every police man deserves Decent work like other workers”.
He commended Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu for retrenching the old Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as a mark of Sensitivity to the mass protests, but warned that “recycled, untrained, under motivated new outfit might traverse same failed route”. He said the national narrative on policing must be upscaled beyond the law and order in which under funded, under paid women and women are expected to protect us even against ourselves. He called for “aggressive community policing”. “Police may very found out later that the communities that desire peace and security would be worthy allies of the police even in advocating for better working conditions for the police service” he said.
The labour leader who is also a Member of National Institute, Kuru Jos also advised the protesting youths to “diversify” their strategy from “the streets to negotiating table,” falling which they would lose public sympathy”.
FG trivialising EndSARS protesters’ demands ― Wike
The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the direction of the National Economic Council, NEC that state governors should immediately establish state-based special security and human rights committee to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies.
In his recent reaction, the governor said the Federal Government is trivialising the demands of the ENDSARS protesters by directing state governors to take charge of Tactical Commands of the Police.
According to Wike; “State Governors cannot take charge of Tactical Commands because they cannot employ or discipline anyone who errs.
“Now the Federal Government wants us to set up another commission of inquiry when the report of the last one we set up was not implemented.
“Now the Federal Government wants us to set up another commission of inquiry when the report of the last one we set up was not implemented.
“I acted on intelligence to ensure that #EndSARS protest in Port Harcourt was not hijacked by miscreants. If I did not support it, I would not have addressed the protesters who are demanding a change in the way the Federal Government conducts the affairs of the country.”
In an earlier report, Vanguard published that rising from its monthly meeting in Abuja on Friday, the NEC presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, directed the immediate establishment of state-based judicial panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings, with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.
The Council specifically resolved that state governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.
According to NEC, the panels, which should be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge, should include representatives of youths, students, civil society organizations.
The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in all states of the Federation and the FCT, according to NEC, is to ensure that police formation and other security agencies in the state consistently protect the human rights of citizens.
Members of the special committee would also include representatives of youths, and civil society, while the head of Police tactical units in each of the state would also be a member of the committee.
On the judicial panel of inquiry, each state government was asked to set up the panel to be chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with other members selected by the state governor.
Other members of the panel are to include two representatives of civil society groups; one retired police officer of high repute; one youth representative; one student representative; and one representative of the State Attorney-General’s office and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC.
‘’The terms of reference for the judicial panel is to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate the evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
‘’The panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six months unless it shows convincing reasons the state governor should allow an extension.
‘’There would also be human rights public complaints team of between two to three persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis. That team would be established by the special committee on security and human rights,’’ NEC stated.
It was resolved that each state government should also set up such a complaints office to which members of the public could relate by telephone or social media channels.
ENDSARS protesters disrupt business activities in Ogun
Shut down by ENDSARS protesters in Abeokuta and other major cities in the Ogun state paralyzed commercial activities in the state as the protesters further their demonstration against police brutality in the country.
Also, a popular hip hop star, Kizz Daniel, and veteran Nollywood actor, Yemi Sodimu, on Friday joined thousands of the protesters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
In Abeokuta, the State capital, the angry youths as early as 6 am laid siege at strategic locations and halted free flow of vehicular movement in the state capital.
The popular NNPC under bridge leading to Kuto and Okemosan was completely shut down as protesting youths took over the road, singing solidarity songs.
Our correspondent observed that apart from some operatives of the NSCDC, police officers were conspicuously missing at the locations.
Other locations taken over by the protesters included Panseke in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Sango – Ota and Ijebu – Ode.
Some of the inscriptions on their placards read “Our voices must be heard”; “SARS Na Fraudster#EndSARS”; “No More Audio Ban”; “Say No to Police Brutality”; “iPhone no be gun”
Speaking with newsmen, a veteran Nollywood actor, Yemi Sodimu said, “What we are seeing today and indeed for the past few days is the result of not paying attention to a young generation.
“You cannot continue to do the same thing the same way over a long period of time and expect a different result. These young ones are asking for a paradigm shift and whether we like it or not, we have to listen to them.”
On his part, one of the protesters, Wisdom Ogbona said: “It is something that is well known now that the excesses of these officers have become too much that we can’t even walk as freeman on the street”.
“Everybody tends to be a criminal and it shouldn’t be that way. We youths are tired of this, we have been tagged lazy Nigerian youths but all we want now is to live our lives”.
“We don’t want them at all. If they are to be in the force they should change their mindsets, they should counsel them that is what we want.
When asked if SARS operatives are the problem in Nigeria, he responded, “maybe we have to start from somewhere because this is leading us to where we want to be.
“The leadership is a problem but if we don’t start with these people (SARS), they won’t know that we have the energy, we have what it takes to take them out of that place. When we are done with the SARS, we will be heading to another thing.”
Protesters block Abuja airport road
Protesters calling for police reforms in the country and an end to Nigeria’s dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have blocked the Abuja Airport Road.
The protesters, mostly youth, took their campaign to the FCT Airport Road which serves as a major entrance and exit to the capital city on Friday afternoon.
The campaign, which has drawn attention from different parts of the world, has been on for over a week.
The FCT administration on Wednesday announced a ban on protests in the capital city, citing health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demonstrators disobeyed the order and continued with the protests on Thursday and Friday.
EndSARS protesters hold candlelight procession in Lagos
EndSARS protesters gathered on Friday at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja and the Lekki tollgate to hold a candlelight procession in honour of those who have died due to police brutality.
PM NEWS notes that a similar procession ceremony was held in Abuja.
Today, October 16 makes the sixth day that Nigerian youths have barricaded major roads in order to put an end to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, accused of extortion and brutality.
Since the commencement of the protest, not less than ten individuals have died.
Below are the names of some Nigerians who have died at the hands of the Police
Jimoh Isiaq, Sleek, Ayomide Taiwo, Peter Ofurum, Chika Ibeku, Chibuike Anams, Ifeoma Abugu, Christian Onuigbo, Emmanuel Egbo, Victor Maduamago, Chidi Odinauwa, Stephen Agbanym, Tony Oruama.
Others include: Tiamiyu Kazeem, Kolade Johnson, Precious Odua, Harry Ataria, Joy Ndubueze, Augustina Arebu, Anita Akapson, Emeka Ojinze, Ismaila Anyinla, Ekena Isaac Megbe amongst many others.
May their souls rest in peace
Akeredolu declares support for #EndSARS protest
Ondo state government has set up a committee to receive complaints from members of the public on illegal detention, extortion, and brutality by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said this while addressing the #EndSars protesters in front of the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
Akeredolu said that the committee is headed by a retired Chief Judge and would commence work next week. The Governor who commended the protesters said that their struggles have brought an end to SARS in the country.
He urged the protesters to take advantage of the committee by bringing to their notice all complaints and issues around police brutality, extortion, and harassment.
” I note your statement that you don’t have a problem with SARS in Ondo State. But no doubt, SARS has ended. But whether you have a problem with SARS or not, there is no longer SARS in Nigeria. Your struggle has brought an end to SARS and you should give kudos to yourselves.
“Now, when you talk about police brutality it’s something not limited to youths alone. All of us know that several families have experienced this. People have lost their lives, people have lost their limbs. And the Police itself is aware of this.
“So, right from the President to the Vice President, to the Inspector General of Police, all of us held a meeting yesterday at the National Executive Council and we made it clear that there must be a reform of the Nigeria Police. And it has to be reformed.
“Now, we have to set up a committee here to be headed by a retired Chief Judge so that all your complaints you will file to them. If you have anybody who is under any detention anywhere in the state, you will bring it to the notice of the committee.
“The committee will look at it and ensure that they are released instantly. So, after release, if they are entitled to other compensation, the committee will recommend. The committee will start work next week. I want you to take advantage of that committee. All of us are in support of the struggle.”
Earlier, popular social media influencer and #EndSars Advocate, Yemi Fasipe urged Governor Akeredolu to use his good office to bring an end to the extortion and harassment of Police Officers particularly at the “Scorpion” and Anti-Cultism” squads in the state.
Musician, Falz, Pulls Out Of Youth Town Hall Meeting On #EndSARS
Folarin Falana, a Nigerian rapper better known as Falz, and Joe Abah, former director-general, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, have pulled out of a virtual meeting a few hours to the event.
The ministry of youths and sports organised had fixed a virtual town hall meeting for 3pm on Friday to discuss police brutality.
Panelists scheduled for the meeting were Mohammed Adamu, inspector- general of police (IGP); Segun Awosanya, human rights activist better known as Segalink, Falz and Abah.
Announcing his withdrawal earlier in the day, Falz said he was given false information on the event.
“I will not be on this panel. I was given false information. Plus there is no need for all this please!! The agenda is clear,” Falana said.
A few hours after, Abah also announced his withdrawal from the event, citing absence of more youth voices.
“Following @falzthebahdguy’s withdrawal from this event & the absence of more youth voices, I will regrettably no longer be moderating this event,” Abah said.
“I was only ever meant to be the moderator. Nothing else. I suggest that the format for the event be changed to hear more youth voices.”
On October 8, Falz and Runtown, a Nigerian musician, took to the streets to protest against police brutality and extortion in Lagos.
Edo govt. orders security agencies to fish out killer of #EndSARS protester in Benin
The Edo government has given security agencies in the state 24 hours within which to produce the killers of one of the #EndSARS protesters in Benin on Friday.
Recall that unidentified hoodlums had swooped on the protesters, who had converged at the popular King’s Square in the early hours of Friday.
While one of the protesters was feared dead, many others sustained varying degrees of injuries from the attack by the hoodlums.
Addressing the protesters, the state Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, while condemning the ‘unprovoked attacks’, ordered the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators within the next 24 hours.
“We don’t want either SARS or SWAT in Edo. The second thing is that I have given instructions to the security agencies to fist out those behind the attack.
“The police, Department of State Services (DSS) and others must bring to book those who stoned you, shot at you and the one who killed that young man.
“Some of you sustained injuries; I can see them from here; they have 24 hours to bring them to book,” he said.
The deputy governor also directed that the victim be taken to the morgue, pledging that he would be given a state burial and treated as the martyr of the struggle.
“He will be remembered for being part of the struggle, and by the grace of God, he will never be forgotten.
“When all these reforms must have taken place, it will be on record that he joined the struggle for emancipation. I want to assure you that Edo government believes in your peaceful protest.
“You have been protesting, and nobody has been injured; you have been protesting, with no property destroyed. That is what is called peaceful protest.
“Those miscreants who want to create problem, I can assure you that we will not fold out hands and watch them brutalise any of you. That, I want to assure you. So, please maintain your peaceful protest.
Shaibu, who noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had promised a reform in the police, said that the state government would ensure that the country eventually had a reform that would be people-friendly.
“The police are meant to protect lives and property, and not to destroy them. So I want to assure you that we are with you on this,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr David Osayande requested that a state burial be given to the victim of the protest.
“One of us has been killed during this struggle. Sir, we want a state burial for him; we want an end to police brutality; we want the police to stop arresting us without committing any offence,” he said.
Moghalu backs peaceful #EndSARS protest
Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, a former presidential candidate has thrown his weight behind peaceful #EndSARS protest.
Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in a statement on Friday said that Nigerian youths have come of age.
“The #EndSARS peaceful demonstrations by Nigerian youth against police brutality are a necessary and welcome response to the culture of impunity represented by the FSARS.
“The protests have been largely peaceful. I commend Nigerian youth for the maturity, determination and discipline they have shown in keeping the protests peaceful.
“My objective assessment is that this stance has not changed six days into the protest, despite the occasions of high-handed responses by the police that have resulted in the death of some protesters.
“By their peaceful conduct, the youth have shown that they are coming of age. I commend them for this. It is important that while it lasts the protest must remain peaceful.”
According to him, Nigerian youth are not expendable and they are the future of Nigeria.
“Therefore, apart from addressing their demands, President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that the protesters are safe.
“So far, the President seems to have restrained the police and has kept the military from the fray.
“He should also ensure that non-state actors do not instigate or carry out attacks on the protesters.
“The #EndSARS protest has many merits. Many citizens have been reporting their experiences of victimisation by operatives of the now-defunct FSARS unit of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
Moghalu added that some citizens had met their deaths in the hands of people whose job it was to protect them.
According to him, it is tragic when a law enforcement agency that should protect the lives of citizens preys on those very citizens, with a profound disregard for their lives instead of reducing the spiralling rate of violent crime in Nigeria.
He said that Nigerian lives surely matter.
“#EndSARS is a metaphor. It is a means to ventilate pent-up frustration by the youth on the diminishing economic opportunities for them in the country. Nigerian youth unemployment is above 30 per cent and rising.
“The #EndSARS protest is also an opportunity for the government to show understanding in the plight of the youth.
“Accordingly, the government needs to go above and beyond the demands of the youth.
“What it is unable to deliver with concrete action and because of very limited resources now, it can compensate for with empathy.”
“Across the country, they have been united in their purpose. It should remain so.
“They should also engage responsibly with the government, holding the latter to account for its promises while recognising credible actions taken by the government to address the demands of the youth.
“The deep lesson of the protest so far is that real power belongs to the people in a democracy.
“This should be an abiding principle that all stakeholders must respect as we seek new and better realities for the country and the people,” he said.
EndSARS protesters shun Sanwo-Olu’s plea, extend occupation to other areas
In apparent total disregard to all appeal and entreaties by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the need to retreat and suspend the ongoing #EndSARS protests across the state, thousands of protesters took their agitation to other areas of the state thereby shutting down vehicular and business activities.
THE #EndSARS protesters who have taken over major roads for over 9 days, are agitating for a more comprehensive police reform across the country.
The #EndSARS protesting youths in their thousands, who have added new slogan of #EndSWAT, chanted anti-Government slogans marching through major roads within Lagos metropolis.
As early as 7 am, the protesting youths occupied major roads such as: Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Lekki Toll Gate, Awolowo Way, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Ikorodu Road, Ago- Palace Way, Iyana-Ipaja, Apple Junction, Festac -Town, among others and prevented motorists access as they barricaded the road.
They blocked Obafemi Awolowo way , form Allen junction inward Lagos state Secretariat in Alausa, paralyzing commercial activities.
They also paralyzed inter state movement as they blocked Lagos Ibadan Expressway from 7 Up and Otedola Bridge axes.
The protesters turned the protest to carnival as they blared music from car stereo amid pomp and pageantry.
Commercial buses who have taken to inner and alternative routes have hiked the fares.
In a worrisome trend, the protesters had taken to violence as they attacked innocent motorists who were bent on having access.
One of the protesters who spoke to Vanguard, Philip Oke, explained that they have refused to back off because governments have not shown enough sincerity to meet their agitation.
One said, “We are not retreating from thus protest as government can’t take us for a ride any more. We called for end to SARS only for them to come up in another garb called, SWAT. We are wiser. The entire police force should be reformed forthwith.
