In a stark reminder of the #EndSARS protests that gripped Nigeria in 2020, a fresh wave of protests took place in Lagos, resulting in the arrest of 22 participants by the Nigerian Police.
The demonstration was held to commemorate the third anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which sought to end police brutality and bring justice to victims of extrajudicial killings.
Protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, a symbolic location tied to the movement, where unarmed civilians were reportedly shot at by security forces on October 20, 2020.
As protesters marched peacefully, carrying placards with messages such as "Never Forget," police units intervened, citing public disturbance and unauthorized assembly as reasons for the arrests.
Eyewitnesses reported that while some protesters were arrested at the protest site, others were taken into custody while heading towards the gathering.
Videos from the scene showed officers dragging individuals into police vans, despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
Lawyers and human rights organizations condemned the arrests, calling them an infringement on the rights to free expression and assembly.
The full list of those arrested has been made available, as public outcry continues to grow over what many view as an attempt to silence dissent and erase the memory of the tragic events of 2020.
The protesters arrested include:
1. Adeoluwa Adams
2. Taiwo Balogun
3. Chidera Eze
4. Musa Bello
5. Funmilayo Abayomi
6. David Oluwaseun
7. Kemi Ogundipe
8. Temidayo Sholaja
9. Ezekiel Umoh
10. Kingsley Ezenwa
11. Bolaji Odunsi
12. Gbenga Onibudo
13. Sandra Nwachukwu
14. Joseph Atunbi
15. Peace Oyebanji
16. Folake Ajayi
17. Michael Ogunbiyi
18. Sandra Omoruyi
19. Sunday Abolarin
20. Chioma Olowu
21. Blessing Ogbeide
22. Oluwole Williams
Human rights advocates are now demanding the immediate release of all detainees and a halt to further arrests of peaceful protesters.
The Lagos State Police Command, however, maintains that the arrests were lawful and necessary to prevent a breach of public peace.
As the dust settles, the anniversary of the #EndSARS protests remains a poignant reminder of Nigeria's ongoing struggle with police reform and civil liberties.
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