WHAT EVERY #EndSARS PROTESTER SHOULD NOTE GOING FORWARD
Nigeria has a long, ugly history of police brutality, specifically and overwhelmingly targeted toward protesters. As a response to the concerted attacks by hoodlums
, proSARS folks & opposite people, it is of essence we take adequate measures going forward. Hoodlums are now taking advantage of the #EndSARS movement to break the law. We have witnessed and experienced their attack in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Abia, just to mention but a few
If you are thinking about joining the #EndSARS, there are some crucial factors to consider to wit:
1. Police brutality is an abstract concept for the #PROSARS but a stark reality for others #EndSARS protesters. That we are protesting does not mean the @PoliceNG has repented.
Therefore, maintain absolute caution/decorum when addressing the Police.
2. Where a face mask. There is still a pandemic going on. Take precautions and cover your face. Face coverings also have the benefit of shielding your identity from cameras and police surveillance.
3. Protest signs: Ensure that your slogan is in big, bold letters that can be easily read from far away. Short and punchy sayings are arguably better than a block of script. Poster board is flexible, but stiffer foam board is more durable.
Going further, do not litter — when you are done with your sign, dispose of it properly, or donate it to another protester.
4. DECENT CLOTHING: It is a good idea to wear whatever you like, but ensure that you do not look anything close to those hoodlums and thugs attacking
and killing us. Just put up the best of appearance.
5. Your ID (maybe): If you are detained, not having your ID on you might keep you stuck for longer. However, in some states, you might not have to show the police your ID if they ask for one. Use your best judgment.
6. Protest in Groups. If you can avoid it, do not protest alone or in pockets. THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Most of these attacks would have been avoided (I may be wrong) if we are all gathered in one place in our large numbers.
7. Study Your Surroundings. You can designate a certain person in your group to make this a top priority, but regardless of who you are with, you should maintain awareness of what is going on around you. This is important for numerous reasons.
8. Consider the Ethics of Taking Photos. It is our legal right to take photos at any protest in the streets or on public property. However, a protest is not a social media photo op. We should avoid taking photos of protesters that clearly show identifying information like their
faces, since those photos could make them vulnerable to some form of attack from the Government or thugs. The @PoliceNG may also respond with force if you point your camera at them, even though it is well within your rights to film their actions. Always use your discretion.
9. Note on Engaging With the Police. Be courteous. You're still protesting. The last time I checked, the @PoliceNG in Nigeria have not repented.
10. Avoid Protest Tourism. Stay one place. Avoid going to moving out of the #EndSARS crowd.
Our attention has been drawn to an outrageous action by one Yusuf Ahmadu Yunusa and his ilks who claim to have acted on behalf of the indigenous people of Abuja. According to media reports, Yusuf and his people claim that the
indigenous people of Abuja are against the protests going on across the country. We wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from Yusuf and the actions of his gang. We find his claims offensive and insulting to the countless Gbagyi youths who have been harassed and extorted
by the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Gbagyi people the world over are known to be hospitable and for upholding the dignity and sanctity of human life. We have, over the years, condemned the extrajudicial killings of Nigerian youths by policemen. While we condemn any
"Indeed, the evidence before the trial court was quite overwhelming and points to the guilt of the appellant. Situation like this whereby policeman rashly bring out their guns (albeit to merely threaten or frighten citizens) is rapidly becoming rampant.
They are meant to use the guns to safeguard the lives of the citizenry they are paid to protect, but the reverse is the case. A policeman will not hesitate to pull the trigger of his gun at the slightest provocation, and would indeed do that with
relish and reckless abandon, not caring whether the consequence of his act will be fatal. The incident in the instant cases is a locus classicus. A law enforcement agent who is supposed to bring sanity and order on the road brings out his gun and fires
"Let me observe here, that it is becoming very notorious and most disturbing these days when policemen, use guns purchased for them with public money and meant for the protection of the citizenry are freely used to mow down innocent citizens of this country with reckless
and careless abandon and in each cases or every event, the aggressive policeman, is heard to say and rely on “accidental discharge”. Enough, I think is enough. Unless the courts put down their feet so to speak and make it
abundantly clear to our policemen in this country, that never again will such plea or defence be available to any of them accused of murder or acceptable by the courts, then of course, Nigerians will continuously be
"The uncontroverted evidence before the court is that the Appellant and the two other convicts , each armed with the rifle officially assigned to him for his official duties as a police officer agreed to go and rob the victims of their money.
In the course of their criminal adventure and in an apparent bid to overcome resistance or prevent escape one of them shot and killed one of the victims of the robbery, Mamodu Abdullahi Ajawo.
In the same escapade and for the purpose of achieving their self same common end, one of them shot into the vehicle. The shot hit a jerry can of petrol and ignited a fire which burnt down the vehicle and four persons in it to death"-
"The 1st Appellant, D.S.P. God'spower Nwankwoala was on the 23/12/2000 the Divisional Police Officer incharge of the "B" Division Police Station Makurdi. At about 8.15 p.m. of the 23/12/2000 the 1st Appellant leading a team of four other policemen in a police ALGON
Jeep which he himself drove went on anti robbery patrol in the Makurdi metropolis. The others in the team were the 2nd Appellant Sgt. Gideon Atime, 3rd Appellant, Cpl. Alphonsus Ekeyi (late), the PW4, Police Constable Ojogbane Ameh and PW5 Police Constable Perekibina Werigbelegha
The 1st and 2nd Appellants and the 3rd accused were armed while the two constables PW4 and PW5 were not armed.
At about 8.15 p.m. while they were along the Inikpi Street High Level, they saw three young men who happened to be the PW3 and the two deceased victims. Upon some
Recall that I did a rejoinder to Amb. I.H. Coomassie, that his utterances calling for the killing of #EndSARS protesters constitute a crime under international law. I also wrote to sister Human Rights organizations, of which he is a member, requesting that...
he be striped of his Award Title, properly sanctioned and prosecuted. However, today, Ambassador I. Hussaini Coomassie has issued an apology, and also going further to endorse the #EndSARS movement.
Should I 'forgive' him, or I should continue with the food I'm cooking for him?
Here it is; making statements capable of birthing mass bloodbath, genocide or pogrom is a serious crime under international law.
It flouts everything the sanctity of life and right to life stands upon.