Amnesty International Nigeria has reported a troubling continuation of human rights abuses by the Nigeria Police, four years following the October 2020 #EndSARS protests that were aimed at ending police brutality. These protests, which took place nationwide from October 1 to October 20, 2020, were precipitated by widespread discontent regarding the extensive violence and misconduct attributed to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The momentum for change, however, was abruptly halted when the situation escalated to violence during a protest at Lekki TollGate in Lagos, where numerous lives were lost due to actions alleged to involve the military. As a result, Amnesty International’s recent statements underline an unsettling continuity of human rights violations, ranging from unlawful detentions and extortion to torture and sexual violence, that echo the grievances that fueled the #EndSARS protests.
Isa Sanusi, the Country Director for Amnesty International Nigeria, highlighted that the organization receives “almost daily” reports of police misconduct. He expressed concern that the lack of accountability and reform within the police force allows for a return to the oppressive atmosphere that citizens have sought to escape since the protests. Sanusi emphasized that the Nigerian authorities possess a critical opportunity to push for police reform and establish an operational zero-tolerance policy towards human rights violations. He insisted that it is paramount for the government to fulfill its obligations, both domestically and internationally, by investigating all acts of violence committed by police officers and holding perpetrators accountable to prevent the resurgence of crimes reminiscent of the pre-#EndSARS era.
The report from Amnesty International also highlights specific instances of extrajudicial killings by the police since the protests. These stark examples include the shooting death of Jumoke Oyeleke during a rally in July 2021 and the fatal incidents involving several others in subsequent years, implicating police officers in unethical and excessive use of force. One particularly notable case involves Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer who was tragically shot by police while returning from church on Christmas Day in 2022. These incidents reveal a persistent pattern of violence and an apparent disregard for life among certain officers, exacerbating fears in communities across Nigeria regarding police conduct.
In the aftermath of the protests, questions about accountability and justice have surged, particularly following reports that the Lagos State government allocated significant funds for the mass burial of 103 individuals identified as victims of the #EndSARS protests. However, the identities of these victims remain undisclosed, and there has been no clarity regarding the status of investigations or legal proceedings against those suspected of being responsible for the violence. This substantial gap in transparency and justice leaves many Nigerians disillusioned, as it seems complaints against police violence are falling on deaf ears and unaddressed.
Amnesty International lamented that only Lagos State has publicly disclosed the findings of its judicial panel on #EndSARS-related violence, while many other states remain mute. Moreover, only a few states have provided full compensation to victims’ families and survivors of police brutality. Conversely, seven states have not initiated any form of judicial panel to address the realities of violence against citizens, significantly stifling potential avenues for legal recourse and acknowledgment of wrongful actions. This variance in responses raises concerns about the consistency and commitment of state authorities towards the overarching need for human rights protection.
In conclusion, Amnesty International’s appeals reflect a broader call for accountability and systemic reform in the Nigeria Police to prevent the repetition of dark chapters in the country’s history. As human rights abuses persist and the legacy of #EndSARS continues to affect communities, the Nigerian government must prioritize urgent reforms to ensure that police forces operate within the bounds of law and respect for human rights. To transform public trust and foster a culture of justice, it is essential that authorities act decisively to investigate wrongdoing, hold offenders accountable, and provide adequate remedies to victims and their families. Only through such action can the cycle of violence and impunity be broken, allowing for a safer environment for all Nigerians.
