The arrest of Hassan Taiwo Soweto, the National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), and 17 members of the #EndBadGovernance Movement has sparked outrage across Nigeria. The protesters were detained during a peaceful demonstration at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, which was held to commemorate the victims of the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in October 2020.
The arrests have drawn widespread criticism, especially from prominent Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who condemned the police crackdown. In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore criticized the Nigeria Police Force for attacking peaceful protesters and questioned the government’s continued use of force to suppress dissent.
He stated, “The most senseless police force in the world. Why attack peaceful protesters? Did the Nigeria Police Force think they can use brute force to save Buhari, Tinubu, and @jidesanwoolu for their role at Lekki Toll Gate massacre? NEVER!!! #RevolutionNow.”
As of this report, the location of the detained protesters, including Remilekun Orunsolu, Olamide Thomas, Micheal Adedeji, Adeseye Eshe, and Olamilekan Sanusi, remains unknown. A source close to the protesters disclosed that tear gas was used to disperse the demonstrators before making the arrests. The incident has once again highlighted concerns about law enforcement officers brutality and the shrinking space for peaceful protest in Nigeria.
