Protesters gathered at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos on Sunday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, which highlighted police brutality in Nigeria. The memorial aimed to honor those who lost their lives during the October 2020 protests.
However, Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olanrewaju Ishola, declared the gathering illegal, citing the failure of the organizers to seek police clearance before the event. In a briefing, the Commissioner said, “Constitutionally, they should write to me as the Commissioner of Police about their intention. They did not write to us, and as such, any such gathering is illegal. The police will not allow it to happen.”
The police chief acknowledged citizens’ rights to protest but emphasized that such activities must comply with the laws of the land. To prevent any disruption, police officers were deployed to key locations across Lagos to ensure order.
“We received information via social media about some individuals planning to mark the fourth anniversary of #EndSARS,” Ishola stated. “Since midnight, we have positioned officers at traditional protest points across Lagos to prevent any potential unrest. While we respect people’s rights, the law must be upheld.”
The Commissioner reassured Lagosians that the police are committed to maintaining peace and security throughout the state, stating, “We have Lagos covered. The public can expect better policing and no disruption to government activities.”
