Lagos, Nigeria – 20 October 2023
Nigerian politician and former presidential candidate Peter Obi has appealed to state and federal authorities to investigate the prolonged detention of #EndSARS protesters, three years after the nationwide demonstrations against police brutality rocked the country.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Obi reflected on the aspirations of the young protesters who sought better governance and a more just nation. He expressed regret that Nigeria had failed to heed the lessons from the events and had instead deteriorated in several key areas.
Quoting a report from Amnesty International, Mr Obi highlighted that approximately 15 protesters remain in custody, most without trial. “Sadly, as reported by a reputable international watchdog, Amnesty International, about 15 of the #EndSARS Protesters, are still in detention 3 years after their arrest,” he wrote. “On this note, I wish to call on the necessary authorities, whether state or federal government, to investigate the issue of these continued detentions and take necessary actions towards correcting the implied injustices and ensure that no one continues to be denied freedom unlawfully.”
Mr Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014 and ran as the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, stressed the importance of upholding constitutional principles. “Our journey to a new and better nation will start with respect for our constitution and obedience to the rule of law,” he stated. “Our democracy must be founded on respect for the rights of every citizen.”
The politician also paid tribute to those who perished during the protests, offering prayers for their families. “We again use the occasion of this 3rd anniversary to mourn all those who lost their lives during the protests and pray to God to comfort their families,” he added. Mr Obi reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for a Nigeria where young people can thrive in productive endeavours, justice prevails, and the rule of law is paramount.
The #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020, driven by widespread outrage over alleged abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit accused of extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The movement, largely led by youth, spread across major cities and culminated in violent confrontations with security forces. On 20 October 2020, soldiers opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, resulting in at least 12 deaths, according to Amnesty International.
Although the Nigerian government disbanded SARS in response to the outcry, human rights groups have criticised the lack of accountability for the violence and the slow pace of broader police reforms. Amnesty International’s report, released on the third anniversary, revealed that at least 15 individuals arrested during the protests are still held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre in Lagos, with the majority yet to face trial. The organisation described the detentions as arbitrary and called for their immediate release.
Mr Obi’s intervention underscores ongoing concerns about human rights and democratic governance in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and security issues, advocates continue to push for systemic changes to prevent future injustices.
In recent years, similar calls have echoed on subsequent anniversaries, with reports indicating that some protesters remain detained as of 2025, despite government denials. However, Amnesty International’s most recent annual report for 2024 focuses on broader violations, including a ruling by the ECOWAS Court that confirmed rights abuses during the protests but stopped short of addressing specific killings.
The anniversary has prompted renewed tributes across social media, with Nigerians vowing never to forget the events of 20 October 2020.
