The Nigeria Police have released activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto and 21 others arrested during a peaceful gathering at the Lekki Tollgate on Sunday to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.
Soweto, speaking after his release, alleged that the police subjected the group to violence during their brief detention at Panti police station.
He claimed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police oversaw the arrests and mistreatment, and demanded accountability for the actions taken against the demonstrators.
“We have just been released after the Commissioner of Police came down to the Panti police station pleading hypocritically. The whole brutalisation, assault and arrest happened in his presence.
“He ordered it,” Soweto said.
He reported that several protesters were injured, with one person bleeding from the nose and two others, a man and a woman, experiencing sexual harassment. Another male protester was stripped, forcing others to secure his trousers with a rope to preserve his dignity.
“Obviously the last has not been heard of this. Many of us are injured. One comrade had blood gushing from his nose. Two comrades, a male and female, were sexually molested. A male comrade was stripped naked – we had to find a rope to hold his trousers to preserve his dignity.
“Many are still in shock.
Soweto also accused a police officer, identified as Nnadi James, of tearing his clothing during the incident. He stressed that the violation of their rights on a day meant to honour victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests was unacceptable.
“I had my cloth torn by Officer Nnadi James at Panti police station. This violation of our rights and brutalisation on a day set aside to commemorate a butal massacre 4 years ago cannot be tolerated,” Soweto stated.
“We want justice. We won’t stop until we have it.
“As for the struggle against Tinubu‘s anti-poor policies, this assault won’t dissuade us. The struggle continues until victory,” he added.