In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC described the October 2020 #EndSARS movement in Nigeria as a significant uprising against police brutality.
A human rights advocacy organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has decried the heightening police brutality in Nigeria despite the nationwide #EndSARS protests in October 2020, during which several Nigerian youths were killed by Nigerian security agents.
With five days to October 20 when Nigerians mark the fourth remembrance of October 20, 2020, when Nigerian soldiers and police personnel shot hundreds of unarmed youths at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, RULAAC has decried the government’s failure to secure justice for the innocent citizens killed during the protests as it promised.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC described the October 2020 #EndSARS movement in Nigeria as a significant uprising against police brutality and bad governance, catalysed by a horrific cases of police violence against Nigerians.
Nwanguma said that despite the protests resounded across the globe, there remain critical issues regarding the ongoing challenges within the Nigerian police system and the government’s inadequate response to the demands for reform.
According to Nwanguma, the issues include, “Public Outcry Against Police Brutality: EndSARS emerged as a reaction to systemic police violence, particularly highlighted by a tragic incident where police officers robbed and murdered young citizens.
“Nature of Protests: Initially peaceful, the movement escalated when the government deployed thugs to infiltrate protests, culminating in a brutal military crackdown at the Lekki Tollgate.
“Government Response: Promises of police reform and justice were largely undermined by cover-ups and minimal compensation for victims, with no accountability for perpetrators.
“Continuation of Police Abuses: The disbandment of the SARS unit did not eliminate police brutality, as other units continued similar patterns of abuse, including extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
“Need for Comprehensive Reforms: The government must demonstrate commitment to genuine reforms, including depoliticizing the police, improving leadership selection, decentralization, adequate resources, better training, and strengthened accountability mechanisms.
“Historical Lessons on Governance: The movement reaffirmed the necessity of protecting human rights under the rule of law and demonstrated that rebellion against oppression is a last resort for marginalized citizens.
“Commitment to Police Reform: The government must heed past recommendations for police reform, including those from various committees over the years, and ensure the effective implementation of the Police Act 2020.
“Democracy as a Foundation for Reform: Meaningful police reform is contingent upon democratic governance. An authoritarian regime will inevitably use the police to serve regime interests, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and undermining democratic processes.”
He noted that the #EndSARS protests drew attention to urgent issues within Nigeria's policing and governance systems.
“For genuine reform to occur, the Nigerian government must prioritize accountability, community trust, and human rights, moving towards a transparent and democratic police force,” he said.
“The ongoing pattern of abuses underscores the need for continued public engagement and pressure for reform.”