EndSARS Memorial: Global Rights Demands Justice Years After Lekki Tragedy

Five years after the events of October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, Global Rights has renewed its demand for justice and accountability for those affected by the EndSARS protest crackdown.

In a statement released to mark the anniversary and titled “Waiting for Accountability: 20.10.20, Five Years On,” the group’s executive director, Abiodun Baiyewu, expressed disappointment that years of inquiries and investigations have yielded little progress.

She noted that, despite several judicial panels established across the country, no one has been held responsible, and most of the recommendations from those panels have yet to be implemented.

Baiyewu described this persistent lack of action as “a deep wound on Nigeria’s democracy,” stressing that the erosion of public trust in governance continues to deepen.

“The tragic events of October 20, 2020, when armed security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters holding the Nigerian flag and singing the national anthem, drove that deficit even deeper,” she said.

She further pointed out that the #EndSARS movement went beyond opposition to police brutality, representing a broader demand for fairness, justice, and reform across Nigeria’s governance system.

“The protesters’ five demands, justice for victims, compensation for families, police oversight, reform, and better welfare for officers remain largely unmet,” Baiyewu added.

Global Rights also drew attention to what it described as a disturbing pattern of state response to peaceful dissent, referring to the government’s handling of the 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations. During those protests, the group said, at least 30 people lost their lives, while many others, including minors were arrested and accused of treason.

The rights organisation also voiced concern over the growing misuse of legislation such as the Cybercrime Act to intimidate citizens, journalists, and activists who speak up against injustice.

“This practice erodes the foundation of democracy and sends a dangerous message that freedom of expression exists only on paper,” the statement said.

Reiterating its major demands, Global Rights called on the government to take concrete steps toward Accountability, Reform, Respect for Rights, and Civic Protection.

Baiyewu emphasised that public demonstrations should not be seen as threats to authority but as expressions of civic engagement capable of strengthening democracy when managed responsibly.

“No government enjoys criticism, but strong democracies use it as feedback,” she said. “Nigeria must learn to listen to its citizens, not muzzle them.”

As the nation remembers the events at Lekki Toll Gate five years later, the organisation urged the government to show genuine commitment to justice and reform, warning that “justice delayed is democracy denied.”