RULAAC condemns arrest of #EndSARS memorial protesters, says rights of Nigerians easily being violated in Tinubu’s govt
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the arrest, brutalization, and detention of peaceful protesters commemorating the anniversary of the Lekki Tollgate massacre on October 20, 2024.
A statement by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the arrest of the #EnsSARS memorial protesters raise serious concerns about the government’s violation of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Nwanguma wondered why the police would brutalise and arrest the #EndSARS memorial protesters trying to honor victims of #EndSARS and advocate for justice and reforms in the security sector.
He added: “The authorities’ response reflects an alarming trend of suppressing citizens’ rights and activism regarding police brutality and governance in Nigeria.
“As legitimate expressions of free speech and assembly, these peaceful protests should be protected under democratic principles. The use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators is undemocratic and unjustified, especially as no offenses have been committed.
“RULAAC calls for the immediate release of all arrested protesters and urges the government to respect citizens’ rights, ensuring accountability for law enforcement agents who violate these rights and abuse their power.”
TheNiche had earlier reported how police in Lagos arrested over a dozen of peaceful protesters, including Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto at the Lekki Tollgate during the fourth memorial of the #EndSARS massacre.