The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has voiced concern over the increasing incidents of police brutality in Nigeria, despite the nationwide #EndSARS protests in October 2020. During those protests, several young Nigerians were tragically killed by security forces.
With just five days until October 20, the date marking the fourth anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate shootings, where Nigerian soldiers and police opened fire on unarmed protesters, RULAAC has criticized the government for its failure to deliver justice for the victims, as promised.
In a statement released by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC highlighted the significance of the #EndSARS movement, describing it as a powerful uprising against police brutality and poor governance. The protests were driven by widespread outrage over police violence in the country.
Nwanguma pointed out that, despite the global attention the protests received, fundamental problems within the Nigerian police force remain, and the government’s response to the demands for reform has been inadequate.
He outlined several key issues that persist:
- Public Outcry Against Police Brutality: The #EndSARS protests were fueled by deep-seated anger over systemic police violence, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident where police officers were involved in robbery and the murder of young Nigerians.
- Nature of the Protests: Initially peaceful, the protests escalated when the government allowed thugs to infiltrate the demonstrations, leading to the brutal military crackdown at Lekki Toll Gate.
- Government Response: Despite promises of police reform and justice, there has been a lack of accountability, with efforts undermined by cover-ups and minimal compensation for victims.
- Continuation of Police Abuses: Although the SARS unit was disbanded, other police units have continued similar abuses, including extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
- Need for Comprehensive Reforms: The government must show a genuine commitment to reform, including depoliticizing the police, improving leadership selection, decentralizing the force, and ensuring better training and accountability mechanisms.
- Lessons on Governance: The #EndSARS movement highlighted the importance of protecting human rights under the rule of law and demonstrated that resistance against oppression is often the last option for marginalized citizens.
- Commitment to Police Reform: Nwanguma emphasized the need for the government to implement the recommendations made by various committees over the years, including the effective enforcement of the Police Act 2020.
- Democracy as a Foundation for Reform: True police reform can only occur in a democratic system. Under authoritarian rule, the police are often used to suppress opposition, which perpetuates a cycle of oppression and undermines democratic processes.
Nwanguma concluded by stressing that the #EndSARS protests brought critical issues in Nigeria’s policing and governance to the forefront. For real reform to take place, the government must prioritize accountability, community trust, and human rights, aiming for a transparent and democratic police force.
He also noted that the continuation of police abuses highlights the need for sustained public engagement and pressure for meaningful reforms.
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