A Lagos-based human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has decried the arrest, detention and dehumanization of of some Nigerians over peaceful protest at the #OccupyLekkiTollGate on Saturday, declaring it unacceptable, reports ITREALMS
.Adegboruwa who is currently serving in the #EndSARS Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made this known in a public statement available to ITREALMS and reminded Mr. President, General Muhammadu Buhari that his presidency is a product of protest.
"I cannot fail to point out the fact that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is a product of protest and civil disobedience. Let history vindicate the just," he cautioned.
Reacting to developments at the #OccupyLekkiTollGate where it was reported that some 35 peaceful protesters were arrested Saturday, he said that Nigeria security agencies, especially the Police has not learnt lessons from the #EndSARS incident of October 20, 2020.
The human rights lawyer, while appealing for calm on both parties, Adegboruwa called on the police authorities to release all those arrested in association to #OccupyLekkiTollGate.
Adegboruwa warned that he is consulting widely and may reason from the #EndSARS Judicial Panel if the harassments of peaceful protesters continues.
"Consequently, I am presently consulting with my constituency within the civil society, as to my continued participation in the EndSARS Judicial Panel," he said.
He also remined Buhari presidency that for decades before the advent of this administration, Nigerians have risked their lives, liberties, times and energies, resources to win back this country on the side of democracy and good government, from military dictatorship, even as some have paid the supreme price with their lives.
He further expressed disapproval on the treatment meted on peaceful protesters.
"I have been monitoring events at the Lekki Toll Gate since morning, and I am totally overwhelmed with the images, videos and sundry evidence of police brutality of armless civilians, who ventured to protest at the Toll Gate. In one particular video, I saw citizens of Nigeria being dehumanized, striped half naked and cramped together in a rickety bus. This is totally unacceptable," he insisted.
The SAN demanded the immediate release of all those arrested in connection with the peaceful protest at the Lekki Toll Gate today.
"On no account should anything happen to any of them while in the custody of the police," he sounded a warning.
Ayo Midele/Editor
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