Protesters Marking #EndSARS Memorial Arrested In Lagos, Later Released.
Protesters marking the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement were arrested in Lagos on Sunday but have since been freed. The activists were commemorating the events of 20th October 2020, when protesters were allegedly killed by soldiers at the Lekki Tollgate during widespread demonstrations against police brutality.
Among those detained was Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a member of the Lagos State organising committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement. Soweto and 17 other activists were arrested at the Lekki Tollgate while participating in a procession to honour those who died during the 2020 protests.
Soweto later accused the police of brutality and sexual harassment during the arrests, alleging that such acts occurred in the presence of senior officers. Despite this, Lagos State Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin announced the release of all protesters, noting that Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola personally ensured their release at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Soweto confirmed his release but criticised Commissioner Olanrewaju, accusing him of hypocrisy for allowing the alleged mistreatment to happen while appealing for their release.
The #EndSARS memorial remains a significant point of reflection for many Nigerians, as it draws attention to ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the need for lasting reforms in the country.
