The outfit generated a lot of reaction on Instagram as many people crowd the dress for the night.
Nigerians are never quick to forget the #EndSars protest, which occurred in early October.
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On the 20th, the Nigerian army opened fire at unarmed protesters who had stormed the lekki tollgate to press their demands against police brutality.
The question of who ordered the shooting has continued to linger on every youth’s lips as they always take time to celebrate fallen heroes at the lekki tollgate.
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At the 14th edition of the Headies award, an event designed to celebrates achievements in the entertainment industry, specifically music genres, popular Nigerian comedian, Bovi was seen rocking the bloodied flag.
The comedian chooses to celebrate some Nigerian youths who lost their lives during the protest.
The outfit generated a lot of reaction on Instagram as many people crowd the dress for the night.
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deo_1129: My best dress for the night
angel_gold_ervin: Right. Like he should! Best dress of the night. Fist✊🏽
king_jozef: U peepu shud watch out , this govt will arrest him for protesting at the headies 😂
prince_bob_riverbank: Pictures says more than a thousand words.
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softstrength: We will never forget!!!!!!+
ruzanacouture: Best dressed 🙌🙌🙌🙌 i pray This trend gets popular….
Two petitioners have been awarded N10 million each as compensation by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Restitution and Inquiry set up to investigate cases of police brutality especially involving officers of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
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The two petitioners, Kudirat Obayomi and Hannah Olugbodi were awarded the compensation on Friday.
Olugbodi, a 35-year-old hairdresser, had on November 2020, narrated how she ended up on a crutch after her left leg was shattered by a stray bullet fired by some men of the disbanded police Special Anti-Robbery Squad who were attempting to arrest a young man with tattoos in June 2018 at the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos.
She said the SARS operatives were at one Ogun City Hotel, to demand money to fuel their vehicle when they saw the young man with tattoos among a group of persons watching a football match at the hotel.
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According to the petitioner, the owner of the hotel, one Abu, who usually gave the SARS operatives money, was not around to attend to them.
She said the SARS operatives labelled the young man with tattoos a Yahoo Yahoo boy (cyber fraudster).
She said an attempt by the SARS operatives to arrest and take the boy with tattoos away was resisted by the other boys, making the SARS operatives resort to firing gunshots.
Olugbodi said she was at Ijesha market trying to buy pepper to prepare food for her children to take to school the following day when she was hit by a stray bullet.
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She said the market women rushed towards her and asked her for her address and the name of her husband, which she managed to give before passing out.
She said she was eventually taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital where they said there was no bed space and she was given four bags of intravenous fluid right in the bus.
The PDP chieftain said the open grazing in forests, in the farms and even in the cities is wrong, archaic, deleterious to the economy itself.
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has called on the Lagos State Government to prove that the son of an All Progressives Congress leader, Seyi Tinubu, does not own or control the Lekki tollgate.
George called on the Lagos State Government to do this by honouring Freedom of Information requests and revealing the terms of agreement between the Lekki Concession Company and the state government.
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The PDP chieftain said this in a statement on Friday titled, “We Must Withdraw from the Brink”.
He said the state government must address allegations that Tinubu’s son and his former Chief of Staff, Sunday Dare, who is now the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, control the tollgate.
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The PDP chieftain recalled that the state government had changed the terms of the concession years ago and paid off the LCC.
He, therefore, wondered why tolls were still being collected from Lagosians.
George said, “We are demanding that the Lagos State Government through the Freedom of Information Act publishes the names of those who are managing the Toll Gates.
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“We do remember however that there was a buy-back several years ago returning the control and ownership of the Admiralty Tollgate to the Lagos State Government. The Lekki-Ikoyi Tollgate was built from scratch with taxpayers money.
“How then can anyone/company inexplicably make a legal claim to the Lekki toll gates? Again, what is the relationship between Seyi Tinubu and Lekki Concession Company?
“Equally, what is the relationship between Sunday Dare and the Lekki Concession Company? We all know that Sunday Dare until he became Minister last year was Bola Tinubu’s Man Friday. There are too many untidy, dirty, stinking intimations here. That’s why we demand that the details of the tollgate ownership should be presented to the public immediately.”
The PDP chieftain argued that since the tollgate was the epicentre of the #EndSARS protests where unarmed demonstrators were shot, the state government should demolish it and erect a monument in its stead.
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He said there was nowhere in the world where a single stretch of road would have two toll plazas as is the case along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
“George added, “In fact how much is Lagos State earning from these two tollgates per day, per month, and annually? It is alleged that an estimated N400m is collected on both tollgates everyday. If we are wrong, let them bring out their books and tell us how this humongous money is being spent.
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“I have gone to this length to illustrate what could go wrong when there is a brazen interloper and a destructive tin-pot despot who has handcuffed the government of our state.
“This overbloated character is obsessed with the interests of the privileged few to the detriment of the majority of our citizens.”
George urged the Federal Government to tackle the tendencies towards nepotism and prejudicial preferences that are basically injurious to national unity.
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He argued that the seemingly intractable clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the nation which are now more pronounced in the South-West can only be stopped with the outright banning of open grazing.
The PDP chieftain said the open grazing in forests, in the farms and even in the cities is wrong, archaic, deleterious to the economy itself.
He added, “The corralling and the ranching of cows are the model in Argentina, Brazil and all other beef-producing nations of the world.
“This is the time that President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrates a rallying unifying leadership to bring all our people together.
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“Surely, this is not the time for ethnic or sectarian jingoism. This is the time for healing. This is the time to mend the broken places and rectify the pervasive wrongs.”
NoRM learnt that Dare had earlier in the week denied owning a stake in the Lagos toll gates while Tinubu’s son admitted to only controlling the advert display boards at the toll plaza.
The managing director of the LCC also stressed that an estimated N2.5 billion worth of assets were lost to the violent protest.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, condemned the alleged brutality against protesters at the Lekki tollgate. The governor, therefore, ordered the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, to investigate the incident.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, disclosed this at a joint briefing by the state government and the Lekki Concession Company in Lagos. He reiterated that Lagos State government, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would never trample on people’s rights.
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Meanwhile, making clarification on some issues, Managing Director, Lekki Concession Company (LCC), Yomi Omomuwasan, who spoke on alleged use of the firm’s operational vehicle to convey protesters at the tollgate, said that the vehicle was donated to the police to assist them as a logistical support.
He said: “We have operational vehicles. One of them is that donated to the police to assist them in their logistics support. On some people wearing LCC logo vests, remember that is our site and we have our men working around there but we didn’t engage in arresting people. We don’t have the power.”
Omomuwasan said the request to reopen the tollgate from the judicial panel of inquiry was based on the fact that the firm needs to assess the worth of the volume of valuables that was lost to the October 20, 2020 violent protest with the aim of getting the necessary insurance cover. He stressed that the reopening was not to immediately start tolling on the facilities.
The managing director of the LCC also stressed that an estimated N2.5 billion worth of assets were lost to the violent protest.
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“As of 2011, we had N24 billion owned by local lenders and N49 billion borrowed from the International Development Bank. We need to bring a formal report of assessment of the damage back to our lenders because when you don’t pay, you are blacklisted. The claims could be verified. Assets would require a team of engineers both within and outside to do critical assessment. We need to do civil and electrical works, which cannot be completed within three months.
He also denied claims that the firm refused to give its full consideration to the forensic investigators from the judicial panel of inquiry, adding that all the needed support according to demand were rendered.
The arrest was acquainted with protesters constituting nuisance in the community and neglecting the federal government’s order and directive to shelve any proposed protest on the said date.
Lagos Police Command Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi said officers would stand by at the Lekki Toll Gate until further notice.
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Muyiwa said this while speaking to newsmen stating that the directive is from the state’s Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu.
According to him, Police officers have been deployed to five different locations of the state.
He said, “Our policemen are still at the tollgate, it is a deployment, and we are working with an operation order, and until there is a stand-down order of the operation from the Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, the men will still be there. We have not arrested anyone today; there was no law and order breakdown, no gathering or procession, everything is normal in the area.
“But we are still maintaining our ground there, and we have deployment in about five places aside from the Lekki tollgate, and our men are still on standby at these strategic places. We have police deployment in Unity Park, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ogombo Junction, Adeniran Ogunsanya Junction, among others.
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Recall with NoRM that the Nigeria Police arrested about 40 #OccupyLekkiTollGate and #DefendLagos protesters on the 13th of February, 2021, and also released them the same day.
The arrest was acquainted with protesters constituting nuisance in the community and neglecting the federal government’s order and directive to shelve any proposed protest on the said date.
According to Ka3na, following the recent arrest, it is hoped that Nigerian youths will put an end to the protest.
Former Big Brother Naija Housemate Vee dragged her colleague, Ka3na Jones, following a controversial tweet on the #EndSars protester after their arrest on Saturday morning.
Ka3na had faulted many Nigerians embarking on the #OccupyLekki tollgate protest, saying it is the least of Nigeria’s problem.
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According to Ka3na, following the recent arrest, it is hoped that Nigerian youths will put an end to the protest.
While urging Nigerian youths to trade with caution, the reality TV star warned they people should not start what they cannot finish.
Reacting to the post, Vee dragged Ka3na as she question when she will stop clout chasing.
Vee also recalled that people died during the #EndSars protest at the lekki tollgate on 20th October 2020.
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Ka3na wrote: Hopefully This Time Y’all Will End What You’ve Started Remember So Many Innocent Lives Were Lost For This Very Course In 2020… Let’s Not Start What We Can’t FinishPouting face 2021 Is Going So Well Let’s All Trade With Caution.
EndSARS #peacefulprotest
Vee replied: Give it a rest man. Release yourself from the bondage of clout for one day. peole have died ffs.
The Instagram comedian, Mr Macaroni was arrested at the Lekki toll gate on Saturday morning.
Nigerian comedian, Debo Macaroni, better known as Mr Macaroni and other OcuppyLekkiTollgate protesters who were arrested have been granted bail in the sum of N100,000 each.
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This comes after the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu ordered the immediate release of End SARS protesters who were arrested at the Lekki toll gate ground this morning.
Recall with NoRM that Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu ordered the immediate release of End SARS protesters.
The Instagram comedian, Mr Macaroni was arrested at the Lekki toll gate on Saturday morning.
The suspects were detained at Area J police command, Elemoro, Ibeju Lekki.
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Comedian, Mr Macaroni leaves many in shock after doing this to Tunde Ednut on his birthday “i went to 4 different universities before i could become a graduate” – Social media comedian, Mr Macaroni shares his story
According to NoRM‘s known Media, CP Odumosu ordered that about 35 persons arrested in connection to #OccupyLekkiProtest be released immediately.
Today’s arrest of the Nigerian celebrity and other protesters at the lekki tollgate had generated wild reactions on social media.
Former Big Brother Naija Housemate Ka3na Jones has reacted to some protesters’ arrest at the lekki today earlier today.
According to the reality TV star, in a post shared on the microblogging platform, Nigerians are good at jumping on trends without digesting their actions’ advantages and disadvantages.
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Ka3na, who seemed displeased with today’s protest, recalls the october 20th incident where unarmed protesters were killed at the Nigerian Army’s lekki tollgate.
She added that #EndSar is the least of Nigeria’s problems at the moment.
Ka3na wrote: Nigerians are good at jumping on trends without digesting the Advantage and Disadvantages of their actions. Same Peaceful Protest That Took Many Lives 20th October 2020! SARS is the least of our problems in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, popular comedian Mr. Macaroni and other protesters arrested today have been granted bail following the order of the Lagos state commissioner of police Hakeem Odumosu.
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Today’s arrest of the Nigerian celebrity and other protesters at the lekki tollgate had generated wild reactions on social media.
They slammed the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, president Muhammadu Buhari and National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The singer shared a video of himself and the DJ inside a Black Maria, saying they were being transported to an undisclosed location.
Idahams was arrested on Saturday morning alongside his Disc Jockey, DJ Brightstar, after they both trooped out to join protesters to demonstrate against the the planned reopening of the Lekki toll plaza.
The singer shared a video of himself and the DJ inside a Black Maria, saying they were being transported to an undisclosed location.
“If anything happens to I and my DJ (Brightstar), hold the Lagos state government responsible. We went out to exercise our civil right at the Lekki Toll Gate. We are being carted away to an unknown location in a Black Maria. #EndSARS,” he wrote.
Watch the video below:
If anything happens to I and my DJ (Brightstar), hold the Lagos state government responsible. We went out to exercise our civil right at the Lekki Toll Gate. We are being carted away to an unknown location in a Black Maria. #EndSARSpic.twitter.com/3ueW4A5T8J
NoRM had earlier reported that popular comedian, Mr Macaroni, was also arrested after he was seen via Instagram live giving an update about the current situation at the Lekki Toll.
Some of the arrested suspects denied being protesters, insisting they were just going about their businesses when they were picked up.
At least 23 persons, including passersby, have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos Police Command deployed to the Lekki Tollgate.
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The operatives, who were deployed to the location since Friday, were seen chasing and arresting anyone they considered a protester.
Those arrested were alleged to be members of the #OccupyLekkiTollgate and #ENDSARS2 groups who vowed to protest in spite of warnings by the Lagos State and Federal Governments.
NoRM reports as at 10 am, the tollgate was occupied by journalists and security operatives with no protesters in sight.
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Earlier, some of the policemen were seen chasing a young man, who was walking towards Lekki.
As soon as they caught him, he was thrown into a waiting Black Maria.
Some of the arrested suspects denied being protesters, insisting they were just going about their businesses when they were picked up.
Disturbed at the way the policemen were chasing and arresting random people, some of the journalists approached the senior officers on the ground and were assured those who could identify themselves or explain why they were around the area would be released.
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Meanwhile, the #DefendLagos group led by Alabi Oladimeji, has suspended its counter-protest scheduled for the #Lekkitollgate this morning.
At the time of this report, more police deployments have been sent at the Lekki and Ikoyi Tollgates while a vigorous convoy patrol is being carried out across the state.
Nigerian comedian Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has been arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Police Force at the on-going #OccupyLekkitollgate protest in Lagos.
He was seen detained in a Black Maria in a live video on his Instagram page.
The state, however, urged the Nigeria Police that in responding to any protest, its officers should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.
The Lagos State Government, yesterday, reminded those planning another #EndSARS protests in the state to be mindful of the rights of other citizens of the country, stressing that government will do everything in its powers to safeguard the residents
In a statement issued by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said while the state recognised the rights to peaceful protests, demonstrators should not block roads and deny other members of the public their fundamental rights to free movement within the state.
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He said any person or group of persons planning to organise protests should bear in mind the exigencies of the COVID-19 health regulations 2021, which prevents any gathering beyond 50 persons and other safety measures including, but not limited to maintaining social distancing and use of face masks.
“Our attention has been drawn to the planned protest scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Lekki Toll Gate for and against the opening of the Admiralty Toll Gate.
“The State is aware of Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, such right does not permit violation of the rights of other citizens in the state,” the statement reads.
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The state, however, urged the Nigeria Police that in responding to any protest, its officers should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.
MEANWHILE, the Federal Government, yesterday, said security forces had been placed on alert to deal with the planned protest being organised by #EndSars campaigners scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the Federal Government received intelligence report that the protests would be hijacked to cause violence and warned that the government would not watch hoodlums unleash another mayhem on the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja titled: Perpetration Of Violence Under The Guise Of #ENDSARS: Never Again, the minister disclosed that it was aware of the Occupy Lekki Toll Gate flyers circulating online, with the proponents threatening that Lagos would burn again.
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Mohammed said while peaceful protests remained the constitutional rights of Nigerians, violent protests were not, adding: “This time, chances that any peaceful protest will be hijacked are high.
“Based on intelligence available the Federal Government, some activists have networked with others outside Nigeria, including subversive elements, with a view to destabilising the country. We cannot allow this to happen.”
Lagos State police commissioner Hakeem Odumosu said the command will resist any planned protest in the state.
The Nigerian government on Thursday warned social media platforms over their role in the October 2020 protest against police brutality tagged #EndSARS.
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The government’s threat came at a time when a fresh protest against the handing over of Lekki toll gate, where Nigerian forces opened fire on unarmed protesters last October, to the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
“The Federal Government is also keenly watching the role being played by the various social media platforms in this renewed clamour for violence in the country,” Nigeria’s information and culture minister Lai Mohammed said at a press conference in Abuja, the capital.
Mohammed accused social media platforms of encouraging the violence and destruction of properties that occurred during the #EndSARS protests in different parts of the country.
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“Recall that the social media platforms that eagerly nudged on the #EndSars protesters,” Mohammed said.
Referring to the violence on United State’s Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump, the minister stated that “until the situation got out of hand, (social media platforms) are the same ones that quickly pulled the plug on even their own President when the chips were down in their own country.”
Many Nigerian cities, especially Lagos State where the #EndSARS protest was held, suffered a loss of lives and destruction of properties from the violence that followed the protest.
While normalcy has since returned to Lagos, members of the judicial panel set up by the government to investigate the October 2020 Lekki shooting drew the ire of the youths, when they voted 5-4 in favor of the handing over of the Lekki Toll Gate to LCC.
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Similar to the beginning of the nationwide #EndSARS protest, another protest tagged #OccupyLekkiTollGate is gathering momentum in Lagos – from social media.
A counter-protest is also in the offing. Both are scheduled for Saturday, But the Nigerian government said it will resist any form of violent protest.
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“No government anywhere will allow a repeat of the kind of destruction, killing and maiming wrought by the hijackers of EndSars protests last year,” Mohammed said.
The information minister stated that sponsors of the fresh protest are members of the diaspora and described the protesters in Nigeria as “gullible people.”
Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari shared Mohammed’s sentiment that social media and members of the diaspora community incited young people against the government.
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Buhari said there was a deliberated “spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.”
Days before Buhari’s speech, Nigerian security forces were at the Lekki Toll Plaza and shot live rounds at unarmed protesters. The army initially denied the involvement of its personnel at the protest scene. Six days later, the army said it was invited to the scene by the Lagos State Government but denied shooting at protesters.
Amnesty International said on October 21 that at least 12 persons were killed at Alausa and Lekki. Both locations are in Lagos – also scheduled to host the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest on Saturday, February 13.
Although, Mohammed said the government is aware that it is the constitutional right of citizens to protest but it would not tolerate violence under the guise of any form of protest.
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“Security agents are ready for any eventuality,” Mohammed said.
Lagos State police commissioner Hakeem Odumosu said the command will resist any planned protest in the state.
Amnesty International said that the Nigerian forces killed at least 12 protesters and accused the Nigerian government of shielding those responsible.
Nigerian Government on Thursday criticised the attitude of some Nigerian youth, saying they were “gullible people” as they are being pushed by Nigerians in the diaspora.
“We know that many of those who have been loudest on social media in advertising the plan to reconvene in Lagos on Saturday are not even in Nigeria,” Nigeria’s information minister Lai Mohammed said at a press conference in Abuja.
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“They are elsewhere around the world fanning the embers of violence and inciting gullible people back home (Nigeria).”
Mohammed’s comment adds to previous comments President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has made criticising Nigerian youths.
In April 2018, Buhari criticised the attitude of some Nigerian youth, saying they were lazy youths.
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Also, during an interview in 2016 with UK Telegraph, Buhari said some Nigerians in the UK, mostly youth, are disposed to criminality and should not be granted asylum there.
The administration has been fiercely criticised for its disparaging comments on the Nigerian youths, with many saying it failed to convey the reality of Nigerian youth’s exploits.
The information minister’s comment is coming days after some youths took to social media to speak against the handover of Lekki toll gate, where Nigerian forces opened fire on unarmed #EndSARS protesters last October, to its owners Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
Members of the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State Government to investigate the October 2020 Lekki shooting voted 5-4 in favor of the handover on Saturday.
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Young people mobilising through social media have called out the panel for approving the release of the toll gate while an investigation is ongoing.
Many are vexed that the government has not owned up to the killing of unarmed protesters, who marched against police brutality on the night of October 20.
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The events of the night of October 20 at Lekki culminated in large-scale violence that grounded the state.
Mohammed said, “never again will the Federal Government allow the kind of violence that was perpetrated across the country under the guise of the #EndSars last October.”
Although many critics said it was bottled anger of many of the country’s youth over unfair profiling and harassment by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the police, in particular, it has found an outlet in the protest.
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The protests, which started with no defined or any central leadership, were largely peaceful at the beginning. It, however, spiraled into chaos after it was hijacked by hoodlums who looted and destroyed properties.
The protest reached its climax in late October when military forces fired live rounds on October 20 in a bid to disperse protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. A CNN investigation found that the army fired directly at the protesters and used live ammunition and not in the air with blank rounds as was initially claimed.
Amnesty International said that the Nigerian forces killed at least 12 protesters and accused the Nigerian government of shielding those responsible.
In fact, Mohammed still reignites authorities how it describes allegations of the Lekki shooting as fake news.
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“Anyone who has any information on the alleged shooting or purported massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate, including the names and addresses of those who were purportedly killed, should head to the Panel to give it such information,” he said.
But Nigerians await the findings of a judicial panel of inquiry set up to investigate the shooting.
He said the chances that any peaceful protest would be hijacked at this time were very high.
The Federal Government on Thursday warned those planning a fresh #EndSARS protest at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos on Saturday to desist.
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It said it would not allow any further resort to violence in the name of #EndSARS protest.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, handed down the warning at a press conference in Abuja.
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While admitting that peaceful protests are the constitutional rights of Nigerians, the minister said violent protests are not.
While admitting that peaceful protests are the constitutional rights of Nigerians, the minister said violent protests are not.
He said the chances that any peaceful protest would be hijacked at this time were very high.
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The minister claimed that based on the intelligence at the disposal of the Federal Government, some Nigerian activists have linked up with others outside Nigeria, “including subversive elements,” with a view to destabilising the country, adding that “We cannot and must not allow this to happen.”
Mohammed said, “Any further resort to violence in the name of EndSARS will not be tolerated this time.
“The security agents are ready for any eventuality. A situation in which six soldiers and 37 policemen were murdered in cold blood by hoodlums will not repeat itself.
“We therefore strongly warn those who are planning to re-occupy Lekki Toll Gate on Saturday to desist. We know that many of those who have been loudest on social media in advertising the plan to reconvene in Lagos on Saturday are not even in Nigeria. They are elsewhere around the world fanning the embers of violence and inciting gullible people back home. No one should fall for their antics.
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“The attack, looting and razing of 269 private and public property will not happen again. The killing of 57 civilians will not be re-enacted.
“We therefore strongly warn those who are planning to re-occupy Lekki Toll Gate on Saturday to desist. We know that many of those who have been loudest on social media in advertising the plan to reconvene in Lagos on Saturday are not even in Nigeria. They are elsewhere around the world fanning the embers of violence and inciting gullible people back home. No one should fall for their antics.
A lot lost their lives and are no more but will be remembered for their bravery, we don’ t know what’ ll take place on that day.
It will never be forgotten in the history of Nigeria that millions rose up and objected the continuous, evil activities of some leaders in our nation. I would tell you that the whole world was watching as Nigerians said ” no to police brutality in the country” . The most memorable being 20th October, 2020 when souls were lost at the Lekki Tollgate after they were shot to death. All around Nigeria, many were injured, properties were damaged and people were in fear of threats.
However, the tollgate’ s activities and operations were stopped as a result of this incident which played out last year. It has now come to the notice of Nigerians that the tollgate will be reopened shortly because millions of naira have been lost due to non- payment of tickets. Many have objected this call for the reopening of the tollgate and thus will be gathering in large numbers at the tollgate on 13th February, 2021.
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An Igbo man who resides in Lagos as the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain (Lagos Chapter) has sent a strong warning to all Nigerians who will resurface at the tollgate on 13th February. The man being Joe Igbokwe shared via his Facebook account that those who are planning to invade the tollgate again, should ask those who invaded US Capitol Hill of their experiences. It will be recalled that some Americans took over the United States’ Capitol in Washington DC to oppose the results of the election. These rioters were apprehended and are now facing sentences in the law court and prison. Joe Igbokwe has called on people who are yet to come to the tollgate to protest as he said that actions this time will carry adequate consequences.
Should this be a threat to some Nigerians who will flood the tollgate on 13th February, 2021? Are their unknown motives and plans by the Lagos State Government? In all these, we must stand for the truth but be careful because live has no second chance. A lot lost their lives and are no more but will be remembered for their bravery, we don’ t know what’ ll take place on that day.
The demonstrations came to a head-on on October 20 when security forces opened fire at unarmed protesters in Lagos at the Lekki toll gate.
A federal high court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday ordered Nigeria’s apex bank to unfreeze the bank accounts of 20 #EndSARS protesters.
The judge, Ahmed Mohammed, gave the order after counsel to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the legal representative of the protesters agreed to end the case.
Mohammed sets aside the order it made on November 4, 2020, freezing accounts linked with some promoters of the #EndSARS protests.
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The CBN froze the bank accounts in the heat of the #EndSARS campaign. Many of those affected were prominent during the protests, which attracted global attention as thousands of people campaigned for an end to police brutality in major Nigerian cities.
The demonstrations came to a head-on on October 20 when security forces opened fire at unarmed protesters in Lagos at the Lekki toll gate.
Protesters, angry at the decision to restart commercial activities at the tollgate where unarmed civilians died, are calling for a fresh protest to demand justice.
Activists behind massive protests that swept across Nigeria in October have called for a new rally on Saturday in Lagos as an investigation stalls into a deadly shooting during last year’s demonstrations.
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Youth-led protests against police brutality and bad governance brought Africa’s largest city to a standstill last year, with the campaign drawing support from many high-profile celebrities.
[files] An aerial view shows protesters gathering at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, on October 15, 2020, during a demonstration to protest against police brutality and scrapping of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Pierre FAVENNEC / AFP
On social media, the hashtag “OccupyLekkiTollGate” was widely shared after a decision on Saturday by a judicial panel to authorise the reopening of the Lekki tollgate where security forces shot at peaceful protesters on October 20.
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After the shooting, the army said only blank rounds were fired to disperse the crowds who had defied a curfew but Amnesty International said soldiers killed at least 10 protesters.
Demonstrations that had spread across the country came to a sudden halt after a wave of looting and civil unrest followed.
Amnesty said at least 56 people had died in the October protests.
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Calm returned to Lekki but the company in charge of the tollgate had stopped operating — until a judicial panel launched by the state of Lagos said on Saturday it could resume its work.
Protesters, angry at the decision to restart commercial activities at the tollgate where unarmed civilians died, are calling for a fresh protest to demand justice.
“No Justice, No Re-Opening. You can’t open a tollgate where victims of state sanctioned murder are yet to get justice,” was a slogan largely shared on social media.
The investigation into the shooting has lingered as representatives of the armed forces have failed three times to appear in front of the panel.
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“If they reopen Lekki Tollgate & start collecting blood money, the people should occupy it again,” wrote one protester, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, who has 120,000 followers on Twitter.
Some are worried that the protest could be used as an excuse to loot properties and have called for a counter-protest to take place on Saturday at Lekki, with the hashtag “DefendLagos” also trending on social platforms.
After the panel’s chair ruling, Ebun Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and member of the panel, led three other members to oppose the ruling of the judge.
Hundreds of Nigerian youths have taken to social media to speak against the handover of Lekki toll gate, where Nigerian forces opened fire on unarmed protesters last October, to its owners Lekki Concession Company.
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Members of the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State government to investigate the October 2020 Lekki shooting voted 5-4 in favor of the handover on Saturday.
Young people mobilising through social media have called out the panel for approving the release of the toll gate while an investigation is ongoing. Many are vexed that the government has not owned to the killing of unarmed protesters, who marched against police brutality on the night of October 20.
The hashtag #occupyLekkiTollGate has been trending to push their grievances.
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“Lagos State government, Lekki Concession Company, and some members of the Lagos State Judicial Panel members inspired the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest planned for 7 am on Saturday, February 13,” Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, tweeted on Monday.
Other Twitter users have also shared and reshared graphics and tweets for mobilization for a protest on Saturday.
Lekki Concession Company, through its counsel, had been praying the panel to allow it to take over the plaza for repair and insurance claims since December 2020.
But the panel earlier said the toll plaza could not be handed over as a forensic expert has been paid by the Lagos state government to examine the toll gate with respect to the October 20 shooting incident.
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In January 5 sitting, Doris Okuwobi, the panel chairperson, said the government has paid a forensic expert to examine the scene of the Lekki shooting and LCC needs to wait for the forensic examination results.
“Forensic evidence is most needed in this inquiry,” Okuwobi said.
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The matter was adjourned till February 6 as the forensic report was to be ready on February 2.
But on Saturday, instead of the report of the forensic examination is read during the siting, the judge made no comment on the forensic report, while the LCC was allowed to proceed with its application.
Okuwobi, a retired judge, said the forensic report is ready and the panel is satisfied “but would not wait till the termination of the petitions before it hands over control of Lekki to LCC”.
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“To put the record straight, it is the jurisdiction of this panel to investigate the incident of October 2020 and make recommendations is the premise by which the panel must comply with jurisdiction to look into the Lekki case.
“The Lekki toll plaza is considered the seat of event of that day. This panel has given ample opportunity to all petitioners to access the toll plaza with the view to considering the investigation.”
After the panel’s chair ruling, Ebun Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and member of the panel, led three other members to oppose the ruling of the judge.
Adegboruwa, Patience Udoh (lawyer and human rights activist), and the two representatives of the youth, Rinuola Oduola and Temitope Majekodunmi, said the decision of the judge and other members of the panel does not represent theirs.
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Adegboruwa said the handover of the plaza at this time “is hasty, premature and will overreach the work and eventual recommendations of the panel.”
“Investigation by the panel over the Lekki Tollgate incident is still ongoing, it will therefore be premature to hand over the plaza that is still subject of panel’s investigation and proceedings, to LCC,” he said.
Lekki Toll Gate management should not be allowed to repossess the toll gate until full investigations are concluded
Youth representatives at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Saturday opposed the reopening of the Lekki toll gate.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa also noted that reopening the toll-gate at this time would be hasty and premature.
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Chairman of the Judicial Panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi earlier on Saturday ruled that the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) could repossess the toll gate, which has been closed since October.
In a statement published on Twitter after the ruling, the youth representatives, Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi, said their “dissent wasn’t reflected in the ruling.”
According to the representatives, the incidents that led to the closure of the toll gate are yet to be resolved.
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On October 20, military officials shot at #EndSARS protesters occupying the toll gate, in what has been described as a massacre by eyewitnesses. However, the Nigerian government and military have denied any wrongdoing.
“We must highlight clearly, what is of critical importance to ensure there is a full & thorough investigation into the Lekki Toll Gate incidence; ensure justice for all victims; & that any & every one found culpable is identified & recommended for appropriate action under the law,” the youth representatives said in their statement.
A file photo of youth representatives at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry.
“We understand from the Forensic Report submitted by the expert employed by the panel, LCC management has, despite requests, failed to provide information, which includes access to servers; who ordered the extraction of CCTV footage; date & time of extraction of the footage from the CCTV; method used for the extraction as well as such other information which may be useful for purposes of the forensic examination & report.
“None of these have been provided by LCC and so it is impossible to conclude that investigations are over. It is therefore imperative that the Lekki Toll Gate management should not be allowed to repossess the toll gate until full investigations are concluded
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“This is especially important as victims of the Lekki Toll Incident are yet to be heard and the public is still in the dark on the full details of the Incidence.
“Based on these facts, we are of the considered view that the Lekki Toll Gate remain shut and under the purview of the Panel until full investigations and hearings are concluded by this Panel.
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“We do not have any intention to obstruct the rulings of the panel. We only want our dissent to be on record. We are committed to ensuring justice for victims.”
‘An Insensitive Decision’ In his dissenting statement, Adegboruwa, who is also a human rights lawyer, averred that the panel is yet to come to any findings in respect of the October 20 events and any takeover by LCC will be prejudicial to the ultimate findings of the panel.
He also said that the panel is yet to ascertain the claims and counterclaims of fatalities and massacre of citizens on October 20 and if indeed such is established, a takeover at this time will be insensitive, callous, and totally uncharitable to the memories of those who may have died.
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“The panel commissioned a forensic expert to undertake a forensic examination of the toll plaza, to examine documents, videos & CCT footages submitted and the panel is yet to receive a comprehensive report or the full details of the forensic report,” he said.
He also noted that the panel has summoned the Lagos State Government to appear and offer its accounts of October 20, especially following serious allegations made by the Nigerian Army against the state government.
“The Governor of Lagos in an open broadcast promised to handover to the panel a camera picked up by the Hon. Minister of works & housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN),” he added. “This has not happened.
“Allegations have also been made against the company responsible for the billboards at the Admiralty Toll Plaza as to who did and why the electricity was switched off on October 20 prior to the invasion by the army. The company is yet to appear before the panel.
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“Summons have been issued for the appearance and testimony of the Chief Pathologist of Lagos to tender autopsy reports of death and CCTV footages of all mortuaries in Lagos from Oct 20. They are yet to appear”.
He stressed that a takeover of the toll plaza by this time is hasty, premature, and will overreach the work and eventual recommendations of the panel.
During the proceedings on Saturday, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi, gave a ruling allowing the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Ltd to repossess the toll gate.
The Lagos State Judicial Panel on Restitution for victims of police brutality and other related matters has returned control of the Lekki toll gate plaza to its owners, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
During the proceedings on Saturday, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi, gave a ruling allowing the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Ltd to repossess the toll gate.
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Justice Okuwobi sitting with four other members of the panel listened to arguments for and against the application made by counsel to the LCC Ltd, Demola Seriki for the re-opening of the facility.
It’s the 4th time the LCC is making the application.
The other four members who sat with Justice Okuwobi are Segun Awosanya (popularly known as Segalink), Oluwatoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizen’s Right), DIG Taiwo Lakanu ( representing the police) and Lucas Koyejo (from the National Human Rights Commission).
In his arguments in support of the application, Mr Seriki asked the panel to allow the company take possession of the toll gate plaza for the purpose of evaluating the damage done so as to be able to make insurance claims needed to effect the necessary repairs which he says will last about 2 months.
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Immediately after the panel ruling in his favour, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa walked in with the other three members of the panel, Patience Udoh (representing civil society), Rinuola Oduola and Temitope Majekodunmi (representing the youths).
They all proceeded to deliver dissenting decisions to the effect that they were not in support of the repossession and the reopening of the Lekki toll plaza.
LCC had earlier prayed the panel to allow it to take over the plaza for repair and insurance claims since December 2020.
The judicial panel established by the Lagos state government to probe brutality and high handedness of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) has approved the reopening of the Lekki tollgate.
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The nine-man panel returned the control of the tollgate to the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the operators, on Saturday.
LCC had earlier prayed the panel to allow it to take over the plaza for repair and insurance claims since December 2020.
A court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Monday, discharged four out of six protesters arrested in November for demonstrating outside the National Assembly.
Last year, Africa’s most populous country was swept by weeks of widespread protests sparked by anger over brutality from the police’s loathed Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
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The government disbanded the unit and pledged reforms but still struggled to contain the largest challenge to Nigeria’s governing elite in decades.
The six defendants were arrested on November 8, 2020, and charged with unlawful assembly.
Defence lawyer Henry Akwaji requested the case be dismissed because the prosecution team was absent from court on Monday.
The court agreed and dismissed the case due to a lack of diligent prosecution.
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“Defendants, Olutosin Adeniji, Abdusalam Zubarur, Paul Akinwumi, and Devour Chomo are discharged and the complaint against them dismissed,” magistrate Musa Eneye ruled.
The remaining two, Yasidu Bashiru and Kabiru Garzali, were absent from court due to illness. The case against them was adjourned until March 24.
Okeke in his suit alleged that during the riot, properties were destroyed and the defendants who promoted the #EndSARS protests must be held responsible for it and also brought to justice.
A Federal High Court has stopped and drop the charges against Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre, Burna Boy, Davido, Falz, activist Deji Adeyanju and others over the #EndSARS protest.
NoRM gathered that the High Court ordered a Magistrate court to instantly stop proceedings and stay action against 50 persons who supported the #EndSARS protests, following a criminal accusation filed by lawyer Kenechukwu Okeke.
Justice Bello Kawu who delivered a judgement on the application filed by Activist Deji Adeyanju (one of the defendants) for a judicial review of the substantive matter before the magistrate, said;
“An order of this honourable court granting leave to the application to issue and serve on the defendant an application for judicial review against the proceedings/direct criminal complaint of Hon. Omolola Tolulope Akindele sitting at Chief Magistrate Court II, Wuse Zone 6 in the suit of Kenechukwu Okeke Vs Deji Adeyanju and 49 others in suit No. CR/49/2020.
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“An order of this honourable court, that on the grant of the above orders herein, serve as stay of all proceedings on the direct criminal complaint Omolola Tolulope Akindele sitting at Chief Magistrate Court II, Wuse Zone 6 in the suit of Kenechukwu Okeke Vs Deji Adeyanju and 49 others in suit no. CR/49/2020.
“An order of this honourable court, that on the grant of the above orders herein, same order as granted by the honourable court shall restrain the Nigeria Police Force, 2nd and 3rd defendants from taking any further steps, arresting and or taking any unconstitutional/illegal steps in the form of any guise as it concerns the subject matters whatsoever before this court herein as it concerns all parties in the proceedings.”
She also scheduled today, Friday, by 11am to rule on the bail application filed by their lawyer, Marshal Abubakar.
The presiding Magistrate, Mabel Segun-Bello, had on Wednesday ordered the activists be remanded at Force Criminal Investigation Department, located at Area 10.
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There was a palpable tension on the premises of Wuse, Zone 2, Magistrates’ Court Abuja as authorities of the Nigerian government and the police refused to produce the human rights’ activist, Omoyele Sowore, and four others in court in an attempt to frustrate their bail application.
The presiding Magistrate, Mabel Segun-Bello, had on Wednesday ordered the activists be remanded at Force Criminal Investigation Department, located at Area 10.
FLASH: @PoliceNG Fail To Bring @YeleSowore To Court For Bail Application, Say No Vehicle#FreeSoworeNow
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NoRM gathered that the police refused to bring the activists to court following a signal that their case files had been transferred from the FCT Commissioner of Police to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Noble Reporters Media also gathered that there was also a document from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation directing the case file to be transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
FLASH: Nigeria’s Attorney General, @MalamiSAN Secretly Takes Over @YeleSowore’s Court Hearing As Revenge Against Reports By SaharaReporters Exposing Series Of Corruption Activities By His Family#FreeSoworeNow
He explained that there was no lawyer from the office of the DPP and the police had also refused to bring the defendants to court.
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Abubakar described the latest plot by the Nigerian government and the police to subvert justice.
The activists have not yet arrived in the court as a large crowd of their supporters have gathered on the premises, chanting solidarity songs and threatening to storm the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
Noble Reporters Media 