Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Police Brutality

  • Police Dispute Brutality Claims as Akwa Ibom Schoolboy is Hospitalized

    Police Dispute Brutality Claims as Akwa Ibom Schoolboy is Hospitalized

    Premium Times reports a dispute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after a schoolboy was hospitalized under circumstances that the family attributes to police assault, while the State Police Command says the injuries resulted from a motorcycle traffic accident. The case has drawn heightened attention following the arrest of a local blogger who publicized the allegation online.

    Police sources described the blogger’s posts as malicious misinformation, while human-rights advocates have called for an independent medical evaluation to establish the factual cause and nature of the injuries.

    Leadership and Daily Post also reported on the controversy, including concerns raised by lawyers over the implications for press freedom and accountability, as well as police assurances of an internal investigation.

    Echotitbits take: The arrest of a blogger in a contested injury case quickly broadens into a national debate about transparency, policing, and civic space. Watch for calls for independent review—medical and legal—and for whether state actors step in to prevent escalation into mass protest dynamics.
    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/851714-police-dispute-claim-over-injured-schoolboy-arrest-blogger.html?tztc=1 2026-01-24

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Lagos Police Command Arrests Fleeing Sergeant Aiwansone for Shooting Girlfriend

    Lagos Police Command Arrests Fleeing Sergeant Aiwansone for Shooting Girlfriend

    Lagos State Police Command has arrested the fleeing Sergeant Eze Aiwansone, attached to the Special Prorection Unit (SPU) Base 16 in Ikeja for the shooting of his girlfriend, Joy Eze.

    The incident occurred on October 8 in Opebi, Ikeja.

    The command said the suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested by his elder brother who is an inspector of police in Lagos State and handed him over to the command.

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    The State CID Panti has taken over the case on the instruction of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, for further investigation, said a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Odumosu has, however, warned police personnel in Lagos State to desist from any act that could tarnish the image of the police, charging them to be committed to the principles of community oolicing for better service delivery and public safety in the state.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • #EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

    #EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

    The 7-member Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to probe accusations of brutality and human rights violations leveled against the now disbanded police tactical unit, Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has been sworn-in on Monday at the State House, Marina, Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the swearing in of members of the panel said in the last two weeks, the state had witnessed the justified protests of youths against police brutality, saying that the pain of the young ones had been felt in various parts of the State and country as well as in the diaspora.

    “They have spoken in one voice against the unbridled violation of their rights and lives by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Through the #EndSARS protests, Nigerians from all walks of life have spoken loud and clear on the need for government at all levels to take immediate and concrete actions to secure the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially the youth – many of whom have suffered gross violation of their fundamental human rights.

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    “Some have even lost their lives under questionable circumstances. In one of my engagements with the protesters, they gave me a list of five immediate demands, which I personally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last Tuesday.

    “I must, however, state that even before my visit to Mr. President, I had taken action on some of their demands, which included the immediate release of all those detained on account of their participation in the #ENDSARS protests and the establishment of a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who were victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS,” he said.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, in response to one of the demands of the youths and in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on October 15, 2020, under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Lagos State Government had constituted a Judicial Panel of  Inquiry and Restitution under the Chairmanship of a Retired Judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Doris Okuwobi.

    He said in Lagos State, the government fully understood the enormity of the task at hand and the need to ensure that it uphold the tenets of due process and fair hearing, which was why government had selected a seasoned and
    unblemished Judge to head this Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

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    “The Panel will sit for six months with the following terms of reference: Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings in Lagos State and ensure that victims and their families are able to publicly air their grievances; evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of the complaints; determine and recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate, and issue cheques in favour of victims
    or their dependents; determine the officers responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution.

    “The panel is to make recommendations to the Lagos State Government on what must be done to ensure that the Police and all security agencies no longer abuse the rights of citizens. Recommend Standard Operating Procedures for the Police on relating with citizens while discharging its duties.

    “By virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, this Tribunal being set up today has powers to procure all such evidence, written or oral, and to examine all such persons as witnesses as the Tribunal may think necessary or desirable to procure or examine and summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting
    of the Tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in the person’s possession,” he added.

    The governor explained that the Tribunal had a mandate to carry out the directives of the Federal Government to enable it discharge its duties without fear or favour, advising members to be mindful that these complaints might be against Police Officers that are still in active service or already dismissed.

    Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stressed that members of the panel had the mandate to ensure that the rule of law prevailed. He said it is expected of the panel to use its powers to ensure that all necessary parties appeared before it to testify.

    The governor reiterated the commitment of his government to implement the recommendations of the panel, expressing determination to ensure that the Police and other security agencies no longer brutalise or kill people.

    “We will continue to play our part in the entrenchment of a just and secure society. I am on the side of the young people out there: I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. I must reiterate
    that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands. I assure you that Lagos State will neither tolerate the violation of your fundamental human rights nor the victimization of its residents.

    “I believe that some of the actions we have taken including the constitution of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry, should to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns. We are committed to the complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police; the inauguration of this judicial panel is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigerian Police.

    “I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS (including the families of those who died) to present their case before this Panel,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said the task of reforming the Nigerian Police was achievable, but noted that it required the cooperation of all Lagosians, including the youth to accomplish this, saying that “Through our collective actions, we will ensure that all wounds are healed, justice is served, and every guilty police officer is prosecuted.”

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    Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

    The panel, which is headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, will sit for six months and is mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the State, with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.

    Other members of the judicial panel include: 1 Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Taiwo Lakanu – a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police; Ms. Patience Udoh – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Segun Awosanya – Human Rights Activist; Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya – Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre; Two Representatives of the protesting youth and a Representative of the National Human Rights Commission.

     

  • Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

    Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

    • Increases Youth Representation To Two

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, received in audience, Justice Doris Okuwobi (rtd), chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution set up to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the State.

    Okuwobi’s visit to the Governor came ahead of swearing in of the panel members, which will hold in Alausa on Monday and their inaugural sitting at LASWA Building on Falomo Road in Ikoyi.

    The meeting, held behind closed doors, was attended by the Attorney General of the State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.

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    The discussion in the meeting, it was gathered, focused on improvement in the composition of the panel membership and expectations of members of the public in the discharge of the panel’s duties.

    After the meeting, Gov. Sanwo-Olu stated that the meeting was necessary to intimate the panel chairman on new developments and expectations of the Government.

    The Governor disclosed that the membership slot reserved for the youth had been increased to two, saying the move was to ensure young people, who are mostly the victims of SARS brutality, had strong voice and contributions in the panel’s activities.

    “The panel will commence its sitting next Monday after the official swearing in of its members in Alausa. We expect members of the public who have complaints against SARS operatives will approach the panel and bring forward their claims.

    “It is also important to mention that we have increased the expected nomination from the youth. At the announcement of the panel two days ago, we asked the youth to bring forward one representative. We have increased the youth representation to two.

    “I understand there is a process which the youth are using to nominate their representatives, which is very good. We will be expecting them to forward the names of their nominees to us before Monday. We believe that the increment in youth representation will further enrich the composition of the panel and diversity of the panel’s recommendations”, Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The Governor explained that the venue of the panel’s sitting was purposely chosen to create room for large occupancy should there be high number of complainants. He said the help desk lines specifically created to reach the panel members would be opened for calls from Monday.

    He urged members of the public who had valid cases of brutality, human rights violations and extra-judicial killings to approach the panel for justice and compensation.

    Other members of the panel include Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society), Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police), Ms Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society), Mr. Segun Awosanya (Human Rights Activist), Mrs. Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Center), and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu Visits Widow of Man Shot Dead During #EndSARS Protest

    Gov Sanwo-Olu Visits Widow of Man Shot Dead During #EndSARS Protest

    To further demonstrate his heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the widow of the driver hit by stray bullet during the last Monday demonstration by youths in Surulere for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    The protest ended bloody when the police attempted to disperse some of the protesters who were moving towards Anti-Cultism Police Command in the area. In the ensuing chaos, Okechukwu Iloamuazor, 55, was hit by bullet and died on the spot.

    The governor arrived at the deceased’s house at 2pm and was received by family members led by their head, Bede Enewally. The family house was enveloped in gloom as the Number One Lagos State citizen visited the grief-stricken widow, Ngozi Iloamuazor.

    Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the family over the incident, which he described as unfortunate. He said late Iloamuazor should not have died under the circumstance, but assured the family members that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

    Already, all the four policemen who opened fire on the protesters in Surulere had been identified by the government and the police authorities. They are currently undergoing orderly room trial at Lagos State Police Command.

    But, Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration would take the officers’ punishment beyond the established disciplinary guidelines of the police.

    According to him, “On behalf of Lagos State Government, and the people of Lagos, I commiserate with the family over this mindless brutality that led to the death of your son. We condemn endless killing of innocent citizens to the highest level. It is highly disheartening to learn that the victim, Mr. Iloamuazor, was performing his legitimate duty when the unfortunate incident happened. He hurt no one to have subjected to such pain death.

    “The officers involved are undergoing orderly room trial as we speak, but we will allow the police complete their investigation. We will certainly take the case out of the police and bring the full wrath of the law on the officers who perpetrated this irresponsible act. This will be clear signal for other trigger-happy officers.

    “Mr. Iloamuazor’s death is a sad loss not only for the family but to the entire citizenry that has clamoured for an end to police brutality. I assure you that his death won’t be in vain and the case will not be swept under the carpet. This is going to be the beginning of real change that people want to see in law enforcement.”

    Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his administration remained on the side of those calling for change in policing method. He said all those maimed or killed in Lagos in the course of the demonstration would be duly compensated, adding that his administration would honour their sacrifices by pushing for reforms that would bring about a policing system that would uphold rights of the citizens.

    He said: “As a government, we have stood on the side of the protesters and we totally believe their agitation is legitimate. We need total reform in the policing system and it is a clarion call on all of us, who are exercising powers on behalf of the citizens.”

    A policeman, Inspector Ayodeji Erinfolami, also died in the incident.

    Late Iloamuazor’s boss, Sam Okafor, who witnessed how the driver got hit by stray bullet, relived the incident.

    Okafor cleared the air that the deceased was not partaking in the protest, pointing out they were both heading to Ilupeju when they ran into the protesters in Surulere.

    “We were stuck in the traffic caused by the protesters who were shouting #EndSARS. For more than 40 minutes, there was no movement. I wound down the windshield for fresh air, while Iloamuazor got down from the car to stretch his body. After stretching, he put his both hands into his pockets and trying to figure out where the traffic started.

    “Suddenly we heard gunshot three times. The next thing I saw was Iloamuazor falling from his position. His hands remained in his pockets as he fell. I ran out of the car and screamed for help. People came and started performing all sort of things to save him. The police came to the scene and I told them my driver had been shot on the spot,” he said.

    Okafor urged the governor to ensure justice was served in the matter, noting that he was yet to be relieved of the shock.

    Enewally said Iloamuazor’s death threw the family into a state of perpetual sorrow, noting that the deceased carried several responsibilities in the family. He said the family put its trust in the governor to ensure justice was served at the end of the day.

     

  • Gbajabiamila Meets NBA President over Police Brutality

    Gbajabiamila Meets NBA President over Police Brutality

    Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has met with the national leadership of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) led its President, Olumide Akpata, where he reaffirmed the lawmakers’ determination to come up with a piece of new legislation within 30 days towards addressing police brutality and other issues.

    Similarly, Akpata assured that his association would ensure a good collaboration with the House with a view to coming up with good legislations to address the matter.

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    The House had last week passed some far-reaching resolutions to address the issue of police brutality against Nigerians, one of which is to amend the constitution and come up with other legislation to curb the excesses of the police.

    Speaking during a courtesy call by NBA leadership to his office on Wednesday, Gbajabiamila said the provision of Section 215 (5) almost gives the police absolute immunity against their excesses, hence the need to amend that section.

    Gbajabiamila, who said the House could not do it alone, sought for the support of NBA to achieve its set goal on addressing police brutality.

    Speaker, House of Representatives receives President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Alapata ìn Abuja.

    “I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Nigerians out there, who have been part of this struggle, and I want to appeal at the same time that we should apply the brake, perhaps, a little and see what will be done.

    “In the House, before the protest, we made a statement. I made a statement on the floor of the House. We reached far-reaching resolutions. We’ve been very proactive on this issue. We’re determined to pursue the resolutions of the House forcefully, for want of a better word.

    “Our resolutions included that we discovered section 215 (5) almost gives absolute immunity to the police over what they do. So, for a start, we feel we should begin with amending the constitution and delete that offensive section.

    Speaker, House of Representatives receives President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Alapata ìn Abuja.

    “I believe it was well-intended but now it’s obnoxious. From that, we can raise any other reforms to look at the complaints from the public, from NBA, the civil societies etc.

    “We’re waiting for Inspector General of Police to send us the list of policemen that had complaints against them in the last five years. We’re also waiting for the list of the victims so that they can be compensated. We’re beginning the budget process, and we want to make sure that there’s a line item that ensures they’re compensated.

    “The resolutions also talked about police reform. We already passed the Police Reform Act, but we need to do more. We need to look at the conditions of service, etc.

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    “Suffice it to say that this House is determined to bring this to fruition. We gave ourselves 30 days to come up with a piece of legislation. We’re working assiduously to achieve the timeline we set for ourselves,” Gbajabiamila said.

    The Speaker announced that the House would raise an ad hoc panel that would interface with NBA on the issue of police brutality and others.

    Akpata had earlier told the Speaker that the visit was to discuss the issue of police brutality and see how the contentious issues could be addressed.

    Speaker, House of Representatives receives President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Alapata ìn Abuja.

    He expressed delight that the House was already doing a lot on the matter, saying Nigerians were eager to see how the matter would be resolved.

    “We at NBA are resolute to collaborate with you on the issues,” he said.

    Akpata raised the issue of some Nigerians being detained at different police stations unnecessarily, calling on the Speaker to intervene.

    Responding, Gbajabiamila told NBA president to identify all the police stations where people were detained for the House to raise a delegation that would meet with NBA and get them released.

    “I think you should identify the stations where people are being held. I will be more than happy to set up a crack team of members to go with you and pursue vigorously those issues. This should be part of the collaboration. We’ll expect your response on this,” Gbajabiamila said.

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    In a related development, the Speaker has also hosted the leadership of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) led by the Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, where he raised the same issues relating to police brutality and what the House is doing about it.

    The Speaker also sought a partnership with the commission towards finding lasting solutions to human rights abuses.

    On his part, Ojukwu informed the Speaker that it was important to come up with an investigative panel that would consider the cases of human rights violations by the police and listen to victims of police brutality.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • [Video] #EndSARS: A Passer-by Rescues Youths from SARS Harassment

    [Video] #EndSARS: A Passer-by Rescues Youths from SARS Harassment

    An old video of a passer-by, who spotting some SARS officers harass some Nigerian Youths, halted his vehicle and demanded explanation on why the agents wanted to search their car, is trending online.

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    The prompt intervention of the un-identified man stopped the notorious SARS officials from taking the youths away in the unofficial bus vehicle they operated with.

    The #EndSARS protest has now caught the attention of the international community, including celebrities.

    Solidarity protest are being planned in Germany, USA, Canada and the UK.

    The #EndSARS hashtag has continued to trend at the very top online since Friday.

    Video:

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    #EndSARS Protest Day 3 Causes Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Gains International Support

  • #EndSARS Protest Day 3 Causes Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Gains International Support

    #EndSARS Protest Day 3 Causes Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Gains International Support

    The #EndSARS protest against the brutality and misconduct of officers of the Nigerian Police Force, especially its tactical unit, Special Anti Robbery Squad, notoriously known as SARS again for the third day gained momentum casing massive gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The protesters who thronged the streets had earlier caused massive gridlock in Alausa when they marched to the State House of Assembly and their after to the Alausa section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

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    Armed with placards that reinforce their demand, the protesters barricaded the highway from the Secretariat bus-stop, opposite Magodo Phase II.

    As a result of the blockage, traffic gridlock extended to the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    Friday witnessed thousands of protesters, they stormed the State House of Assembly to demand outright disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, over series of atrocities committed by the operatives, killing and maiming innocent citizens.

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, while addressing the protesters charged the police authority to ensure it put a stop to the incessant harassment of Nigerians by some officers of the anti-robbery squad, adding that any officer of the squad found to have harassed innocent Nigerian should be arrested and prosecuted.

    ‘It’s okay to protest but I say clearly that it is wrong for any law enforcement agent to maim or criminalise another Nigerian without reasonable course. The police or the law enforcement agents must do their job. In doing that job, you cannot trample on the right of the citizens.

    “You cannot say our youths, because of their looks or they are carrying computer are guilty of a crime. The police job is to arrest people and send them for prosecution if they do something wrong. That tenets must be adhered to.

    “We are not against police fighting robbery but we are saying do not unjustifiably hurt our children because of their looks. Whoever is responsible should be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

    The Street protests against the notorious Nigerian police unit, SARS, have caught the attention of the international community with supports from celebrities.

    On Friday, which is day 3 of the protest, the #EndSARS hashtag did not only trend in Nigeria but in the UK, Canada, and the United States.

    While protests have been taking place in at least six states in Nigeria including the FCT, the #EndSARS hashtag has remained on Twitter’s Nigeria top 10 trend table since the weekend, The Guardian reported.

    One of the many international celebrity who has shown and voiced his support for the cause was British-Nigerian actor John Boyega, just as Nigerian music stars Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Falz and DJ Spinal have participated in the March against the notoriously perceived SARS that have for long been accused of brutalising, harassing and extorting Nigerian youths, including extrajudicial killings.

    Popular international cyber-activists known as Anonymous, also joined in the campaign.

    In the UK a Nigerian professional athlete, who owns the first Black-owned cigar line, Mike Edwards has also called for a protest in London.

    According to a report by The Guardian Nigeria Edwards would be leading a protest to the Nigerian High Commission in London on Sunday. In support of the protest by Edward, award-winning actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim tweeted to join in the London protest.

    Similarly, plans are ongoing to kickstart #EndSARS protest in other foreign countries such as Germany, USA and Canada.

    Nigerians are protesting, yet again, after years of horror stories of brazen extortion, illegal detentions, and illegal murders of Nigerians, mostly youths, by the notorious police unit, at the hands of local police. The protesters are demanding the government to scrap the police’s notorious unit.

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    Lagos Police Command Says Opebi Shooting Has Nothing to Do with #EndSARS Protest

    The recent fury was sparked after graphic footage showing officers from the SARS police unit dragging two men from a hotel in Lagos and shooting one of them in the street.

    In the disturbing footage taken by visitors at a hotel and posted on to social media on Saturday, armed officers of the SARS can be seen dragging two limp bodies from the hotel compound into the street before one of the men is shot.

    The video has sparked a deluge of footage and stories posted on to social media alleging recent atrocities and brutality by the notorious SARS unit, long accused of rampant abuses.

    On Sunday, Nigeria’s inspector of police, Mohammed Adamu, banned SARS, and other “tactical” police units focused on armed crimes from stop and searches, from setting up roadblocks and said officers would always be uniformed.

    The governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, promised “appropriate actions will be taken, and speedily too”. According to the police, a dedicated complaints unit has in recent years improved accountability for police abuses, The Guardian Nigeria reported.
    .

  • Video: Daughter of ex-Governor of Oyo, Olunloyo accuses SARS operatives of extortion

    Video: Daughter of ex-Governor of Oyo, Olunloyo accuses SARS operatives of extortion

    Officers of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) operating around Badore in Ajah area of Lagos State have been accused of extorting a music artist named Wealth.

    The alleged extortion, which was said to have taken place on July 3, 2020, was disclosed by independent investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, daughter of former governor of Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo.

    In a video posted on her twitter timeline about 10pm on Sunday, Olunloyo stated that she had escorted the artist, who she manages and offers Publicity services, on an errand when the SARS operatives stopped their car.

    “What really happened with my artist @iamwealth9ja and SARS in Badore, Ajah, Lagos on July 3rd 2020 12:30pm. It is a rape of civil rights. Forced to transfer cash to officers’ accounts twice. Know your civil rights in Nigeria.

    “Police must never abuse their power. Power is a collective force not some big guy up there. I refused to have my bag searched without a warrant and wearing gloves and mask. Officer Kelechi was defiant. He met his match”, she explained.

    On many occasions, Nigerians, especially the youths had vent their anger over government’s ineptitude to curtail the excesses of security agents, who reports say they extort, intimidate and torture many young persons illegally.

    Video:

  • Fresh anger erupts as Atlanta Police kills another black man

    Fresh anger erupts as Atlanta Police kills another black man

    The police chief in the US city of Atlanta resigned after an officer fatally shot a black man during an arrest, the mayor said Saturday, with the new killing injecting fresh anger into protests against racism and police brutality.

    Images on local media showed hundreds of protesters in the streets on Saturday and flames engulfing the Wendy’s restaurant where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was killed.

    The officer who shot Brooks was dismissed Saturday and identified by Atlanta police as Garrett Rolfe. The second officer was placed on administrative duty, according to ABC News.

    Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — who has been touted as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden — earlier announced the resignation of Chief Erika Shields.

    Wendy’s employees called police on Friday night to complain that Brooks was asleep in his car and blocking other customers on the premises, an official report said.

    He failed a sobriety test and resisted when police tried to arrest him, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said.

    Surveillance video showed “that during a physical struggle with officers, Brooks obtained one of the officer’s Tasers and began to flee from the scene,” the report continued.

    “Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase, Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer fired his weapon, striking Brooks,” it said.

    Brooks was taken to hospital but died after surgery, it said, adding that one officer was injured.

    An attorney acting for the dead man’s family said disproportionate force was used in the confrontation.

    “In Georgia, a Taser is not a deadly weapon — that’s the law,” L. Chris Stewart told reporters.

    “Support came, in I think 2 minutes. He would have been boxed in and trapped. Why did you have to kill him?”

    “(The officer) had other options than shooting a man in the back.”

    Brooks has four children, Stewart added, and had celebrated the birthday of his eight-year-old girl earlier on Friday.

    His death is the 48th shooting involving an officer the GBI has been asked to investigate this year, according to local newspaper the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Fifteen of those incidents were fatal.

    The unrest comes as the US faces a historic reckoning on systemic racism, with mass civil unrest ignited by the May 25 killing of another African-American man, George Floyd, while in police custody.

    Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

    Protests which spread first around the country then the globe, have forced a conversation on the legacies of slavery, colonialism and white violence against people of color, as well as the militarization of police in America.

    Police chief Shields had worked for Atlanta’s police department for more than two decades.

    “Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country, Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief,” the mayor said in televised comments.

    AFP