Nigerian youths embarked on a peaceful protest tagged #EndSARS to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit, as well as, other reforms in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). What started out as a peaceful demonstration by thousands of youths, degenerated into chaos after the protests were hijacked by hoodlums.
The hijacked protest is now characterized by the heavy presence of security personnel on the streets of Lagos, mob attacks on security personnel, killings, and vandalization of public and private properties.
The Birth of #EndSARS
The #EndSARS movement dates back to 2017, where Nigerian youths used the hashtag to share their experiences on violence and assault perpetrated by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad. However, the movement only revived in early October, after a video emerged of police officers thought to be members of the SARS unit, allegedly killing an unarmed young man.
This prompted Nigerian youths to troop to Twitter, calling on the Federal Government for police reform with the hashtag, #EndSARS, #Endpolicebrutality, and many more. The hashtag trended continuously on Twitter as Nigerian youths aired their pain and experiences online.
Nairametrics captured the timeline of notable events from the moment it all began to the latest developments.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2020
- A viral message broadcast on social media suggested men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS had gunned down a Nigerian youth, snatched his car, and sped off with it. The person who recorded the video can be heard making frantic yells at anyone watching the video to see what had transpired.
- As the video spread on Social media, the hashtag #ENDSARS started to garner momentum as more young people demanded an end to the brutal police unit that has for years brutalized young Nigerians.
- As twitter raged on, reports indicate SARS officials stopped the young man, pushed him out of his vehicle, shot him, and went away with the vehicle.
- As the video spread, several other young Nigerians, particularly those from the tech community recalled their experience and started lamenting on Twitter, escalating into a fury of outburst that eventually morphed into one of the largest youth organized protests in the history of Nigeria.
Sunday, 4th October 2020
- As Social media protest raged on, Nigeria’s Minister for State for Labour, Festus Keyamo revealed the young man was not dead and shared a picture of him in a hospital with head wounds.
- The Nigerian Police Force, through the Inspector General of Police, announced the ban of SARS members and other Tactical Squads from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties, stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc with immediate effect.
- Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari wants to see reforms in the Nigerian Police Force.“We reviewed several of these issues. The President and I have had discussions on this, he is very concerned about it. He wants to see reforms.”
- House of Rep member, Honourable Akin Alabi filed a motion with the House of Reps to dissolve the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS). Alabi who represents Ona-Ara/Egbeda Federal Constituency of Oyo State disclosed his intentions to dissolve the Unit today and the issue is set to be discussed during the plenary session this week.
Wednesday, 7th October 2020
- Youths in Lagos State set out for a three-day protest to call for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, as part of the push for reforms in the police system to put an end to the extra-judicial activities of the agency. Youths were seen marching to the Force Headquarters at Ikeja, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Protect, not exploit”, “Nigeria police stop killing us,” amongst other printed messages.
- This was the start of a 14-day protest that eventually turned violent and hijacked by hoodlums.
- The Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila says that the House will draft new legislation to establish a system of accountability for the Nigerian police.
Thursday, October 8th, 2020
- Nigerian musicians join protests showing their support for the calls to #ENDSARS.
- Nigerian artistes such as Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Falz, Wulrd, and DJ Spinal were amongst the first to join the protest carrying placards that said: “No to SARS”.
- Meanwhile, The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, warned against attacks on law enforcement officers by the ENDSARS protesters following the reported murder of one policeman, injury to another, and alleged stealing of arms and ammunition by the protesters.
Friday, 9th October 2020
- The Nigerian Bar Association condemn the serial breaches of the fundamental rights of Nigerians by officers of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and urged that the Police put in place demonstratable measures to ensure proper enforcement and monitoring of the new directives.
- Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar says he condemns any use of force on #EndSARS protesters across the nation and urges the FG to listen to the youth and investigate the use of force on protesters.
- Lagos State through its Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy said it has noted the protests against the brutality of the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) and says it agrees that such acts of brutality must stop.
- The management of Flutterwave Inc announced the opening of a public fund aimed at catering for the medical bills of those injured during the protest against the brutality of officers of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad.
- President Buhari through his Twitter handle revealed he had ordered the Inspector General of Police to address Nigerians appealing for calm and patience. “The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice. I appeal for patience & calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.
Saturday, 10th of October 2020
- Other startups joined Flutterwave in raising funds to support the EndSARS protest and stop police brutality. The funds were also to be channeled towards treating victims of Police Brutality.
- The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde questioned why State Governors are called Chief Security Officers and don’t have the necessary powers to control police force. The Governor disclosed this in a statement while reacting to the death of Jimoh Isiaka, a protester killed by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) on Saturday.
- Isiaka was allegedly killed by the Nigerian Police on Saturday in Ognomosho over the #EndSARS protests against police brutality. The Police claimed they did not shoot protesters. Makinde received the news of Isiaka’s passing with “deep sadness” after he was declared dead at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
- The killing of Jimoh Isiaka angered more protesters leading to a massive coalition to move the protest from social media to the streets.
Sunday, 11th October 2020
- The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, via his Twitter handle, disclosed that the operations of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) has been dissolved across all 36 states and the Federal Capital with immediate effect.
- The first major gathering of protests along the Lekki-Epe expressway took place disrupting the traffic along the 49.5-kilometer road.
- Iconic images of the protests start to spread across social media spurring more young Nigerians into joining the protest to show solidarity.
- Most motorists did not get home till early in the morning the next day, some as late as 3 am.
Monday, 12th October 2020
- Protesters gathered at the Lekki VI toll gate making it the epicenter of the call for the End of SARS.
- President Buhari addressed the SARS protest in his first televised speech saying, “The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.”
- The protest was now over a week old.
- Meanwhile, reports on Social Media indicates protesters were being attacked by Police in an attempt to quell the protests.
- Amnesty International announces that the Nigerian Police Force has killed 10 persons since the anti-police brutality protests started last week against the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS)
- The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike announced that all forms of protest have been banned in the state, therefore the proposed #EndSARS protest in Port Harcourt for Tuesday 13th October 2020 should not hold. He disclosed this in a social media statement on Monday evening, after the Lagos protests turned violent, as police allegedly attacked protesters in Surulere, Lagos.
- Olumide Akpata, President of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), said the association is working to secure the release of protesters in the #EndSARS protests.
- Police shootings were reported around Surulere, a suburb in Lagos with one protester allegedly killed by the Police. Social media video also revealed a Police officer shot from an alleged friendly fire.
- The Lagos State Government says reports of a protester getting killed in Surulere #EndSARS protests was not true, and that the casualty was a bystander who was hit by hoodlums trying to free two suspects standing trial for alleged kidnapping.
- Nigerian celebrity and superstar, Davido meets with the IG of Police in Abuja calling for a psychological reevaluation of Policemen.
Tuesday, 13th October 2020
- The Lagos State Government set up a N200 million fund for residents in the states who have been victims of police brutality. This was made known by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu while addressing protesters in Alausa, Ikeja area of Lagos State.
- He requested a list of names of Lagos State residents that have been affected by police brutality.
- The Inspector-General of Police announced the set up of a new Police outfit known as Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to take over from the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
- He also ordered all personnel of the disbanded unit to report to the force headquarters in Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.
- The Presidential Panel on Police Reforms set up by the government met and okayed the five demands made by the #EndSARS protesters across the country.
- Despite the ban of protesting activities in Rivers State, residents of Port Harcourt defied the Governor and marched to the Government House while chanting the song “solidarity forever”.
- Nigeria’s immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan weighed in on the protest, saying that Nigerians don’t deserve to lose their lives while protesting peacefully for the advancement of their country.
- The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu ordered the personnel of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to report to the force headquarters in Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.
Wednesday, 14th October 2020
- The Federal Government declared that no Police Officer of any unit is allowed to look into people’s phones, or look at the type of vehicle they are using, or profiling them to see whether they are yahoo boys or not. The Inspector-General of police also stated that “Justice will be done. An investigation team will be constituted which will include Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), to identify all abuses, and officers that are found culpable will be punished.”
- Chairman of Flutterwave denies he personally directed the suspension of the fintech firm’s payment platform.
- One of the leading NGOs currently campaigning against police brutality in Nigeria, Feminist Coalition announced that it had raised the total sum of N37,355,149.48 in crowdfunding for the protest which is aimed at supporting protesters.
- FinTech advocates reveal plans to start adopting cryptocurrencies to raise funds to support to protest. This was in reaction to rumours that the CBN had instructed banks to stop allowing their platforms to be used to raise funds.
- Billionaire boss of the leading social media platform Twitter, and payments company Square, Jack Dorsey, joined the support of the #EndSARS protest that has overtaken Nigeria. His tweet was the first major social media support from a Founder of a social media platform.
Thursday, 15th October 2020
- The popular hacking group, Anonymous claimed via its Twitter handle, that it had breached some Nigerian government websites. This was the start of many other hacking of government social media assets.
- One of the most revered men in Nigeria, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye says he supports the peaceful #EndSARS protests.
- The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced that all street demonstrations have been banned after a wave of #EndSARS protests in the city due to police brutality. This came on the back of protesters still actively demonstrating on the streets, despite the Federal Government scrapping the unit.
- The Governor of Lagos State disclosed that the State Government has arrested and is currently probing police officers that were involved in brutalizing protesters at the Surulere protest venue.
- The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) demanded that all the police officers who participated in actions that led to injury or death of Nigerians must be brought to justice. This was disclosed by the Ekiti State Governor and NGF Chairman, Kayode Fayemi, on after the governors, held a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
Friday, 16th October 2020
- The Police Service Commission reportedly listed the names of 37 former members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for dismissal from service.
- The Minister for Africa for the UK Government, James Duddridge MP, says the United Kingdom is monitoring the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria and called for a peaceful police reform process.
- The Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, broke his silence on the #EndSARS protests to announce that the 36 State Governors and the FCT Minister will set up judicial panels of inquiry that will adopt public hearings.
- The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked rumours that its website was hacked. Information on social media suggests the Apex bank had its website hacked.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) announced that it has constituted members of an independent investigation panel into the activities of the dissolved SARS, as the Federal Government finds a way to end the nationwide protests.
Saturday, 17th October 2020
- The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced through his official Twitter handle, that the trial of the erring police officers who were allegedly involved in the attack on #EndSARS Protesters in Surulere, which led to the death of one of them had started on Friday, October 16, 2020.
- The Nigerian Army announced that it will commence a nationwide Exercise Crocodile Smile VI from the 20th of October to the 31st of December. It will be a cyber warfare exercise designed to identify, track, and counter negative propaganda on social media. Meanwhile, the military later claims it was not targeted at protesters.
- By now protests had spread nationwide with many other cities joining in to demand an end to SARS.
Sunday, 18th October 2020
- #EndSARS protesters launched a helpline center and an online radio platform named ‘Soro Soke’ to aid the coordination of the protesters nationwide through effective and timely communication.
- The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan called for an end to the #EndSARS protests after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House in Abuja.
- The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution into abuses by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
- The #EndSARS protesters reportedly blocked the headquarter of the Central Banks of Nigeria in Abuja so as to prevent activities at the apex bank on Monday.
- Meanwhile, the former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacted to media reports that he was among those sponsoring #EndSARS protesters across the country. While denying the allegation and exonerating himself, Tinubu advised Nigerians to jettison the news.
- The Lekki/Ikoyi tollgates were unblocked by protesters allowing for vehicular movement.
Monday, 19th October 2020
- Lagos State Government inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to investigate cases of police brutality in the state. This was disclosed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who cited Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 as a legal justification to set up the panel.
- Edo State Government announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state with effect from 4pm. This was due to incidents of vandalism and attacks reportedly carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protests.
- Soldiers were deployed to the streets of Abuja and stationed in strategic places to curb the #EndSARS protest that has in some cases gone out of hand as suspected hoodlums were reportedly attacking protesters and pro-SARS groups.
- Meanwhile, protesters continued their protests at the Lekki Toll Plaza with more youth pouring into the streets of Lagos. Reports indicate the protest had cost was adversely affecting the Lagos economy. A Lagos State Government source revealed they had lost at least N234m to the closure of tollgates since the commencement of the #EndSARS protests, although the state has continued to generate money from adverts at the toll plazas.
Tuesday, 20th October 2020
- The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, vowed that he will not sign off the 2021 Appropriation Bill presently before the National Assembly if adequate provisions are not made for the compensation of the families of the victims of police brutality and meeting the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
- Suspected miscreants and arsonists burnt down the Dutse Makaranta police station in the Kubwa area of Abuja. This is after the clash between policemen and #EndSARS protesters in the area where a protester, Anthony Onome, was stabbed on Saturday and a stray bullet hit and killed another protester, who died on the spot.
- At 11:49 am, the Lagos State Government announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in all parts of the state, with effect from 4 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2020. This was due to the hijacked #EndSARS protests in the state, where hoodlums attacked citizens and destroyed properties.
- At about 4 pm, the IG of Nigerian Police Force, M.A Adamu, ordered the immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot police unit, Police Mobile Force (PMF), over attacks on police facilities by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protests.
- About noon, a police station in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos State was set on fire by suspected thugs. Eyewitnesses who shared videos via their Twitter accounts said the reprisal attacks were allegedly fueled by the shooting of one person in that area by policemen.
- The United States embassy and consulate in Nigeria, announced the shutting down of its consulate in Lagos State for two days with effect from Tuesday, October 20, 2020, due to the hijacked #EndSARS protests.
- US airline Delta turns back passenger airline en route to Nigeria from the United States. The airline had a stopover in Dakar Senegal but had to go back to the US after several reports of violence. The airline canceled subsequent flights into Nigeria.
- Meanwhile, The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) denied the alleged shut of the nation’s airspace due to the unrest, arising from the hijacked #EndSARS protests in Lagos, Abuja, and some other states in the country.
Lekki Toll Shooting
- At about 6.45 pm Tuesday, October 20th, several social media accounts revealed peaceful protesters were allegedly being shot at by the Nigerian military at the Lekki toll gate holdout.
- Lagos State Government had issued a directive to extend the enforcement of its 24hour curfew from 4 pm today to 9 pm, to enable residents stuck in traffic get to their destinations. This was disclosed by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday evening via the state’s official Twitter handle.
- At about 10 pm, the Lagos State Government orders an investigation into the Lekki Toll Plaza shooting that was allegedly done by men of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday evening. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, via his Twitter handle.
- Former US Presidential Candidate, Hillary Clinton, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the Nigerian Army to stop the killing of young protesters in the country. Several other notable leaders across the world start tweeting about the alleged “massacre” at the Lekki Toll.
- At around 11 pm, GT Bank’s branch on Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos state was allegedly set ablaze in the middle of the night by hoodlums disguised as #EndSARS protesters. This was disclosed by eyewitnesses around the affected branch, through their respective Twitter accounts.
Wednesday, 21st October 2020
- The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu ordered the withdrawal of all Police Officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country, with the exemption of those in Government houses, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Lagos State Government suspended all government activities and declared lockdown for 72 hours in view of growing violence in the state. The Governor had earlier visited the injured protesters at the hospitals where they received treatment and also stated via a broadcast that there was no record of fatality in the controversial Lekki Toll Plaza shooting on Tuesday.
- Lagos State Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu confirms two people had died as a result of the Lekki Shooting.
- The United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria announced the shutdown of its VISA application centers in Nigeria for the next 48 hours, with immediate effect, due to the ongoing #EndSARS protests in the country.
- Television Continental (TVC) station in the Ikosi-Ketu area of Lagos state has been allegedly burnt down by hoodlums who attacked the building. This was disclosed by some residents, who sent videos on social media.
- The headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Marina, Lagos was also reportedly set on fire by hoodlums involved in the #EndSARS protests.
- Around 1 am, The Nigerian Army took to their official Twitter handle and denied deploying soldiers to attack #EndSARS protesters who defied the imposed curfew and peacefully assembled at the Lekki Toll Plaza.
- Nigerian football players, local and international celebrities take to their Twitter handle to condemn the alleged shooting of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.
Thursday, 22nd October 2020
- In an interview session with Arise TV, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the curfew initially imposed for 72 hours could be lifted partially within 24 hours, to allow Lagosians re-stock on food and critical household items.
- The Governor also responded to the question on who ordered the removal of the CCTV at the toll gate and the switching off of the light. “Nobody ordered, they were the security of LCC on the ground. I called the security of LCC that night and because of the curfew they took off the installation. That camera that you saw is not a security camera it is a laser camera that picks your number plate… The security camera is still available. The Managing Director of LCC does not have a reporting line to me.”
- Sanwo -Olu said he is yet to speak with the President, following the Lekki shootings that occurred on Tuesday evening
- Later in the evening by 7 pm, Nigeria’s President Buhari addresses the country in a nationwide broadcast. In his remarks about the protest, the president said he was pained that innocent lives were lost. “All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary.”
- Most critics on social media expressed anger, as they felt his speech to the nation, did not mention the Lekki Tollgate shooting.
Friday, 23rd October 2020
- In his speech, President Muhammadu Buhari pointed out that the promptness with which the Federal Government acted in meeting the demands of the #EndSARS protesters seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests. Most critics saw this as a disguised threat against further protests.
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State government is working towards stabilizing things across the state and rebuilding through verification of victims and has called on youth leaders to provide representatives for a judicial panel.
- US Senate leader, Elizabeth Warren called for the United States to stand with the Nigerian people over the #EndSARS protests to demand justice and equality for the victims.
- President Muhammadu Buhari presides over a National Security Council meeting with some former heads of state and some security chiefs.
- The Lagos State Government released a schedule of cases to be heard in the criminal prosecution of police officers for offenses related to violation of human rights in the state.
- Feminist Coalition, a not-for-profit organization and one of the leading supporters of the #EndSARS campaign, informed all financial supporters of the campaign to stop sending funds to the group, while also revealing plans for the remaining donated funds.
- Instagram apologized for its algorithm malfunction that lead to the dismay of its users, saying that its algorithm incorrectly flagged the posts, “Yesterday our systems were incorrectly flagging content in support of #EndSARS and marking posts as false. We are deeply sorry for this. The issue has now been resolved, and we apologize for letting our community down in such a time of need.”
- The Lagos State Government eased the 24-hour curfew which was earlier imposed on Tuesday, October 2020, to now run from 6 pm to 8 am.
- Coca-Cola Nigeria announced it made a donation of N20 Million to cover the medical costs of victims of the #EndSARS protests in hospitals.
Saturday, 24th October, 2020
- With curfews announced around Nigeria, the #EndSARS protests have been halted. However, in the diaspora, Nigerians picked up the pace of protests with protests recorded in Zurich, Paris, New Zealand , Berlin, Toronto, Belgium and other cities around the globe.
- The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner announced that the Houston City Hall would be lit green and white in solidarity with the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. He said,”Houston is proud to be home of one of the largest Nigerian communities in the country and stands with Nigerians around the world calling for an end to the violence against peaceful demonstrations. Tonight, city hall is lit green and white to show our solidarity.”
- HumanAngle reported that forensic evidence from videos recorded during the Lekki shootings reveals that the recorded videos were authentic despite claims by the Nigerian Military that the videos were doctored.
- The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that Lagos State will not burn on his watch, as he tried to calm things down after hoodlums wreaked havoc post-Lekki shootings, and announced that the Judicial panel set up by the state would include the incident at Lekki toll gate.
- The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo told a US delegation that the proposed reform of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) will be a game-changer in ensuring an end to impunity. He added that reforms have become necessitated by reports of police brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests, and extrajudicial killings.
- The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, disclosed The UK’s willingness to support efforts for genuine reform of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and to improve accountability.
- The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned of a looming petroleum scarcity in the country, following attacks on fuel tankers and the disruption of depot operations across the country by hoodlums who had hijacked the #EndSARS protests.
- Access Bank Nigeria Plc. announced N50 billion in support of Nigerians through interest-free loans and grants to support communities, the youths, and micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
- Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola announced a 24-hour curfew in the state. The decisionwas announced barely 24 hours after the initial curfew, which was suspended.
- Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, announced President Buhari will address Nigerians on the Lekki toll Plaza shootings, as he awaits the outcome of the investigations into the shootings of unarmed #EndSARS protesters by soldiers.
- The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu ordered the immediate deployment of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the unrest. “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the immediate mobilization of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property, and reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country,” the Police announced.
- Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State approved N2 billion for youth empowerment, following a fruitful meeting with a group of youths associated with the #EndSARS movement in the State.
- After a long absence since the day of the Lekki Shooting.The former Lagos State Governor and the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacted to the outbreak of violence during the curfews after the Lekki incident. “I didn’t go nowhere; I’m a Lagosian and I still hold the title of Asiwaju of Lagos and I am still a Jagaban. Fake news is all over the place. They say Seyi my son was kidnapped and was chased but look at him. I didn’t pay a penny to bring him here”, he said.
Sunday, 25th October, 2020
- 6 time Formula 1 Champion, Lewis Hamilton joined to raise awareness about the #EndSARS protests on the same day he beat Micheal Schumacher’s record by winning his 92nd Grand Prix. Hamilton said “We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and raise awareness of the tragedies happening in the world around us and take action where we can. The recent events in Nigeria are a human rights crisis.”
- The Nigerian diaspora continued protests as curfews limit protests in Nigeria with protest recorded in Dallas and Czech Republic.
- Lagos State Government announced that it will be prosecuting 229 suspects who allegedly took advantage of the #EndSARS protests to vandalize and loot public and private properties in different parts of the State.
- Martin Luther King III, son of late 60’s civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to guarantee the freedom of peaceful protesters in Nigeria as the #EndSARS protests draw more International attention after the Lekki shootings.
- Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, announced The Federal Government launched a N25 billion Youth Fund to address the #EndSARS protests and other related youth restiveness in Nigeria.
- Pope Francis called on the Catholic faithful to pray against violence in Nigeria as events relating to the #EndSARS protests and police brutality continue to draw international attention.
- The house of former House of Representative Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, was looted in Jos. An eye witness said, “They broke into the house of the former Speaker and attacked everyone, including Dogara’s brother, and (they) are currently moving anything they see. In the process, the invaders moved several items – tricycles, furniture, electronics, and other valuables – out of the house.”
- Governors of the South-West states pledged their supports to their Lagos State counterpart, as they described the coordinated attacks in the state as an attempt to weaken the region’s economy.
- The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reviewed the curfew earlier imposed on the state to help contain the large scale violence following the hijacked #EndSARS protests against police brutality and extra-judicial killings. The curfew now starts at 8 pm and ends at 6 am daily.
- The Lagos State Government revealed that 27 of the burnt Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles in the Oyingbo and Ojodu Berger areas of the state cost $200,000 each, while 57 of them cost $100,000 each, all totaling about N3.9 billion.
- The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) sued for peace in this critical time, the body urged the protesting youth to sheathe their sword, and give peace a chance.
Monday, 26th October, 2020
- Nigerians in diaspora continued protests with protests recorded in Philadelphia, Indonisia and Houston.
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, issued a statement on behalf of the president, and explained that the President decided not to speak on the shooting incident until he had access to all the facts.
- President Muhammadu Buhari announced the Lagos State Judicial Panel has his full support, and expressed confidence in the outcomes of other panels set up by states.
- The Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Sunday, discovered a hidden camera at the Lekki Toll Gate, Admiralty Circle, Lagos, during an on the spot assessment.
- The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN),announced the creation of N50million fund to support those affected by the civil unrest spiked by the hijacked #EndSARS protests.
- Kwara State Government announced the launch of a N500 million recovery fund for businesses whose properties were looted and vandalized in the state by hoodlums who seized the #EndSARS protests to wreak havoc on private and public properties.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), warned that wheat seeds looted by hoodlums in Jos is not meant for consumption, as it is poisonous.
- The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, fined Nigerian media houses including AIT, Channels TV and Arise News, claiming they used unverifiable video footages from social media to cover the #EndSARS protests. According to media reports, the regulators imposed various fines on Arise TV, African Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television between N2million and N3million.
- The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed that Lagos State will need about N1 trillion for the reconstruction and repair of the properties and infrastructure that was vandalized and destroyed by hoodlums.
- The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), urged the Federal Government to assist the Lagos State Government to rebuild the state’s assets destroyed by hoodlums, who hijacked the #EndSARS protest to vandalize and loot government and private properties.
Tuesday, 27th October, 2020
- Lagos State Judicial Panel on police brutality commenced today and adjourned to Friday, 30th Novermber, 2020 due to petitioners not being available.
- Protests continued in the Nigerian Diaspora, with reports of Nigerians protesting in Finland.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Church, Justin Welby, warned that the deliberate shooting of unarmed protesters in Lagos was an act of outrage, and he urged for a path to peace, justice and reconciliation.
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that the Lagos State Government would ensure that anyone found culpable in last Tuesday’s shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza would be held accountable for their actions. The Governor said in an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson.
- The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, insisted that there were only two confirmed deaths during the shooting incident that happened a week ago at the Lekki Tollgate.
- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), called on protesters to be peaceful in conducting their protests and urged Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of protests.
Wednesday, 28th October, 2020
- National Economic Council (NEC), launched a committee to meet the needs and demands of Nigerian youths behind the #EndSARS protests. The head of the Committee is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
- Oyo State Government launched a N500 million MSME fund to fund youth entrepreneurs in the State with bright business ideas
- The Nigerian Army stated that the alleged massacre of protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza is untrue, unfounded, and aimed at causing anarchy in the country and that their presence was requested by the Lagos State Government to restore normalcy.
- Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, disclosed that the judicial panels for inquiries have just two weeks to address all the issues raised by the #EndSARS protesters, as failure to do so may drag youths back to the streets.
- Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that some of the demands of the youths following the #EndSARS protests would be addressed constitutionally, as part of the decision was to reform the Police, in a quest to accommodate a better Police Force.
Thursday, 29th October, 2020
- The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said he will compensate the families of policemen killed during the hijacked #EndSARS protests that erupted in Lagos and pledge to rebuild destroyed police stations.
- Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media said the looting of Covid-19 palliatives was not only done out of hunger, but out of greed and criminality.
- Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, apologised and allegedly broke down in tears on live TV for addressing #EndSARS protesters as “Children.”
Friday, 30th October, 2020
- The Lagos State tribunal continued today and was adjourned to Tuesday November 2nd. The Panels visited the scene of the Lekki Toll gate shooting and found 5 bullets shells.
- The Inspector-General of Police, M.A Adamu, said that officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally and exercised commendable restraints during the protests, in a response to Amnesty International about police firing at protesters.“Officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally, exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price for peace during the recent protests and ensuing violence in some parts of the country.“The Amnesty Int’l report is untrue, misleading, and contrary to all available empirical evidence” the IGP said.
Saturday, 31st October, 2020
- Global popstar, Beyonce announced a call to donation and support for the #EndSARS protests. “I listened to the voices of some young people from all parts of Africa and they are asking to be heard. They have seen too much that is wrong and they are crying out for the world to listen through our actions” she said.
- The Nigerian Police Force stated that about 205 critical national security assets, corporate facilities and private properties were razed down and vandalized during the EndSARS protest, which was hijacked by hoodlums and arsonists.
- Lagos State Governor ,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced lifting the curfew imposed on the state with immediate effect.
- Celebrities begin the WeMOVE webinar to discuss the way forward after the protests.
Sunday, 1st November, 2020
- The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced that the Federal Government has no plans of shutting down social media but must regulate it to prevent the spread of hate speech.
- Lai Mohammed also stated that the attack on The Nation newspaper and Television Continental (TVC), is an attack on free press. The media houses were attacked by hoodlums during the curfew following the unfortunate hijack of #EndSARS protests.
- The Army said its unprofessional and against the operational security of the organization to disclose the identities of soldiers deployed to Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
Monday, 2nd November, 2020
- President Muhammadu Buhari announced that protests cannot last indefinitely and has called on youths to dialogue with the government and engage in comprehensive reforms.
- The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, stated that the Federal Government’s plan to introduce regulation of social media after the #EndSARS protests are suspicious, as the social media space is already regulated.
- The President of the Nigerian Bar association, Olumide Akpata, stated that Nigerian Governors are well within their rights or the power of the law to set up panels of inquiry to determine if SARS went beyond their boundaries to violate the rights of citizens.
- Following a fine on some media organizations by NBC over what it termed unprofessional coverage of the #EndSARS protest, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and 261 concerned Nigerians, civil society and media groups queried the legality of the court injunction asking Channels, AIT, and Arise TV to pay N3 million fines each over their coverage of the protests.
- The Federal Government insisted that the 3 broadcast stations (Channels, Arise TV, and African Independent Television) that were recently sanctioned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), acted irresponsibly in their coverage of the #ENDSARS protests, and said there is no going back on the sanctions.
- The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, stated that social media regulation will have to go through due process in the National Assembly.
- The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) started training over 400 personnel as new Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) at the Police Mobile College in Eggon, Nasarawa State.
- The Egyptian Ministry of Interior disclosed that seven out of eight Nigerians who joined the #EndSARS protests in Egypt on 18th October, will be deported to Nigeria for lack of resident permits.
- Lagos State Government announced it would give tax breaks and some financial assistance to all the business owners affected by the ugly actions of hoodlums and arsonists that hijacked the #EndSARS protests.
Tuesday, 3rd November, 2020
- The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, stated that the stories of a massacre in Oyigbo are false and that the troubles started when IPOB suddenly killed six soldiers and four policemen.
- The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, stated that there is a possibility that the October 20 shooting of protesters in Lekki was done by hoodlums and not soldiers, and that investigation needs to be carried out to determine who shot the protesters.
- The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, announced that the families of policemen killed in the post-protests riots in Oyo state would also be beneficiaries of the N500 million victims fund set up by the state.
- The Ministry of Interior stated it did not generate a ‘no-fly’ list and that reports of #EndSARS protesters getting their passports seized due to a travel ban is fake news.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) inaugurated an Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) on the allegations of human rights violations by the defunct SARS, to complement the work of the State Judicial Panels.
- The Lekki Concession Company (LCC), submitted to the Lagos Judicial Panel on Police brutality, the video footage recorded by the company’s surveillance camera on the night of October 20, when soldiers opened fire on unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate area in Lagos.
- The Judicial Panel of Inquiry which was set up by the Lagos State Government to probe police brutality and the alleged shooting of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos turned down the request of the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the operators of the tollgate to take back possession of the tollgate.
Wednesday, 4th November, 2020
- The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike announced that the curfew in Oyigbo will be reviewed to now commence from 7pm to 6am in a bid to recover over 50 riffles stolen from burnt police stations.
- The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu announced that over 1,590 suspects have been arrested across the country following the widespread looting and rioting that occurred during the post protests violence.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) stated it will commence a preliminary examination into the unfortunate shootings which occurred at the Lekki toll gate where #EndSARS protesters gathered to protest against police brutality and call for Police reforms.
- The Ministers from South-West Nigeria, who were directed and given a week to relocate to their home states and interface with their State Governors, stakeholders, and the protesting youths, as part of efforts to douse the tension generated by #EndSARS protests submitted their report. The Ministers demanded a thorough investigation of the involvement of the Nigerian military in the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki Tollgate.
Thursday, 5th November, 2020
- The Lagos State Police Command warned any individuals or group of students to desist from any planned protest in the state. It tweeted, “The Lagos State Police Command has vowed to resist any form of planned protest, procession or gathering under any guise or nomenclature in Lagos as the government and residents of the State recover from the devastating havoc and violence unleashed by suspected hoodlums. Premised on this, the Command, therefore, wishes to warn private individuals, groups of students and others who might be contemplating any form of protest or gathering whatsoever, to desist.”
- The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, called on traditional leaders to work with the Police on Community Policing, in a bid to secure local communities from violence.
Friday, 6th November, 2020
- In a bid to provide succor and support to businesses affected by the violent demonstrations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) disclosed that it is set to grant more tax palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the ensuing negative impacts.
- The Central Bank of Nigeria received the nod of the federal high court in Abuja to freeze the accounts of 19 individuals and a public affairs company linked to the #EndSARS protests till January.
Saturday, 7th November, 2020
- Youth reps at the Lagos State Panel pull out over complaints of CBN blocking accounts of #EndSARS activists.
- The Lagos Judicial Panel of Enquiry investigating incidents of human rights abuse by security agents was granted access to video footage surrounding the unfortunate Lekki shootings which occurred on the 20th of October, 2020.
- The Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met President Muhammdu Buhari and presented the report on the damage caused by hoodlums in Lagos during the post-#EndSARS protest riots.
Sunday, 8th November, 2020
- The Lagos State Government directed the immediate release of 253 persons arrested by the police for criminal offences in connection with the #EndSARS protests in the state, due to non-disclosure of a prima facie case against them by the police force.
Monday, 9th November, 2020
- Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 365 concerned Nigerians petitioned the Federal High Court, Abuja to reject a suit signed by an APC Chieftain to shut down Twitter’s access in Nigeria, which they say will “ultimately restrict the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom in the country.
- The Presidency stated those who allowed the recent #EndSARS protests to degenerate into riots and violence leading to the destruction of properties in the country and loss of lives must be made to account for their actions.
- President Muhammadu Buhari tasked politicians to go beyond lip service and take necessary actions and pragmatic steps towards equipping the young Nigerians with skills that would make them competitive.
Tuesday, 10th November, 2020
- The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, warned that the country may still witness another civil unrest if the government fails to effectively address the issue of youth unemployment.
- An activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, filed a criminal complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s court in Abuja against 50 #EndSARS promoters for their alleged roles in the protests, with the looting and destruction of properties, that took place last October. Those listed as defendants include Musician Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz; social media comedians, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, and Maryam Akpaokagi aka Taoma and many others.
Wednesday, 11th November, 2020
- Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde inaugurated the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Police Brutality, Violation of Rights of Citizens and Unlawful Killings.
- Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker Of the Oyo State House Of Assembly announced that the Oyo State legislature will not support any attempts to restrict social media expression.
- UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed stated what the UN is doing about the #EndSARS protests and police reforms in Nigeria. She said the UN is aware of the protests and will support the bridge-building reforms and ensure the Federal Government’s interests are genuine.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called for nominations to the Technical Sub-Committees (TSCs) requested by the residential Panel Report.
- The Central Bank of Nigeria,told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the funds in frozen accounts of the 20 #EndSARS promoters, might have been linked to terrorist activities.
- Lagos State announced priority to the Infrastructure and Works, Education and Health sectors in its 2021 Budget of Rekindled Hope.
Thursday, 12th November, 2020
- The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, stated he sees nothing wrong with the freezing of accounts ordered by CBN, as the protesters affected just need to explain to a court that their accounts had no wrongdoings.
Saturday, 14th November, 2020
- The Federal High Court in Abuja was petitioned by 16 persons, who participated in the #EndSARS protests in October and had their accounts frozen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to unfreeze their accounts.
Sunday. 15th November, 2020
- The Nigerian Army stated that the Lagos State Government did not inform the army of the change in curfew time from 4pm to 9pm on the day the Lekki shootings happened.
- The Nigerian Army said they were not happy that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, denied inviting them to help restore law and order at the Lekki Tollgate, during the #EndSARS protests.
- The Nigerian Army told the Lagos Judicial Panel that only blank bullets were fired at the Lekki Protesters on the 20th of October and that no fatalities were recorded by the Army.
- The Lagos State Government announced that it has secured the release of 107 people who were involved in the #EndSARS protests across the state from police facilities and correctional centres in the state.
Monday. 16th November, 2020
- Senator Ali Ndume, Chairman of Senate Army Committee, stated that he sees nothing wrong with the implementation of a Social Media Bill so that people would be held accountable for whatever they say.
- The General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, warned that freezing accounts of #EndSARS activists goes against the collective interest of Nigerians, as it may trigger further protests.
Note: This timeline is updated daily.
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