“Silent Criminalisation of Gathering at Lekki Toll Gate is Outrageous”- Inibehe Effiong,ENDSARS 4th Anniversary

The October 20th ENDSARs protest holds its 4th anniversary in honour of the citizens who lost their lives on the day, 4 years ago.

In an interview with Arise News, human rights activist lawyer Inibehe Effiong goes into details, highlighting that the government has now criminalised the Lekki Toll Gate by targeting Peaceful gatherings.

Background 

Four years ago, thousands of Nigerians gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to demand change in government policies due to inhumane acts the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) used on innocent Nigerian citizens.

The unit, which was formed to specialize in the investigation and detention of suspects in armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent crimes, derailed and was accused of extorting innocent Nigerians.

The continuation of the protest started in early October with #ENDSARS on various social media platforms, with deaths spanning across various states in the country as the month went by.

By October 20, the deadly Lekki Toll Gate Protest took place, leaving 51 civilians, 11 policemen, and 7 soldiers dead, according to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Criminalization Of Gathering In Lekki Toll Gate 

He called out the government for criminalising the attempts of citizens to gather at the Tollgate by arresting and provocating them.

As of yesterday, Sunday, 20th of October, it is reported that at least 23 protesters were arrested in commemoration of the ENDSARS anniversary.

He explained that they were detained at the call of the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State.

The commissioner gave a statement saying they were detained as they did not seek a “permit” to be there.

Effiong said this was wrong as he was present and the commissioner did not name the permit as a basis for the protest.

He also explained that Section 39 of the constitution relays that Nigerians do not need a “permit” to constitute their fundamental right of gathering.

“They were at the toll gate honouring Nigerians who were traumatized by the Nigerian army,” Effoing stated.

He claimed all they did was hold placards and sing solidarity songs for the anniversary and did not deserve to be treated as they have.

Heroes suffering but not recognized

The lawyer brought up cases of previous protesters who fought for the country during the turbulent times, highlighting that instead of being praised during this ENDSARS anniversary, they are now hiding and scared for their lives.

He gave examples, of which one was DJ Switch, a protester who live-streamed the event, capturing details of live fire injuries.

Living in Lagos for more than 7 years prior, she now resides in Canada and has not stepped foot in Nigeria since the protest due to fear for her life.

Effiong also highlighted how most of them keep their accounts frozen, disrupting their daily way of life.

A recent example is also when Sowore cried out on the 15th of September, blaming the government for putting him on the watchlist, therefore stopping him from travelling and seizing his passport before giving him back.

“Streets are named after past leaders and not heroes who truly died for the sake of the country”, the lawyer stated.

Police Reform

In addressing police reform, the activist emphasized the failure of the Nigerian state to implement meaningful changes in the law enforcement institutions despite the demands of the ENDSARS protest.

He pointed out that while SARS was eventually disbanded, the issues of brutality, corruption, and power are still rooted within the Nigerian Police Force.

Effiong stated, “If the police force was alright, there would not be much hassle from the EFFCC.”.

He stressed that when Nigerians look at the police, all they see is hostility, which is not meant to be so after 4 years of the ENDSARS anniversary.