Group condemns arrest of demonstrators at #EndSARS anniversary

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) on Sunday strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Hassan Taiwo Soweto and 21 others who converged at the Lekki Toll Gate to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS massacre on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

The arrested protesters are Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Uadiale Kingsley, Osopale Adeseye, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Anaheim, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita, Orunsolu Oluremi, Prof. Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aishat Omolara, Thomas Abiodun, Aghedo Kehinde, Duroorike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilyo Jolade, Godeon Adeyemi, Afeez Suleiman, Ogbu Obinna, and Olamilekan Sanusi.

In a statement on Sunday, President of the group, Rufus Olusesan, said the Nigerian Police, who were armed in large numbers, attacked the peaceful #EndBadGovernance members who were converging for the memorial programme at Lekki.

“They were subsequently arrested and detained at the notorious Lagos State SCID facility at Panti Yaba. This is one arrest and detention too many, as protesters are regularly attacked, molested, arrested, and detained on the orders of the President Tinubu-led government.

“In August 2024, the Tinubu-led government used the police and the military to attack, arrest, and detain hundreds of peaceful protesters across the country, killing some in the process. Comrade Michael Lenin and some others were arrested and imprisoned during the EndBadGovernance protests and recently regained partial freedom from the repressive police and justice system after 50 days in incarceration.”

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“We state boldly that protest and dissent are not crimes; oppressing and attacking democratic rights is a crime that must stop. The Tinubu-led government’s attacks on democratic rights are reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship. We call on the Nigerian working masses, the poor, and the trade union leadership to resist this growing Tinubu-led civilian dictatorship.”

The CDWR demands the immediate and unconditional freedom of Soweto and 21 other #EndBadGovernance members currently detained.

Meanwhile, the police said that all those arrested have been released.

The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, stated this in a message and shared the information with The Guardian when he was contacted for police response.