Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal and Lagos State governments to apologise for the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll Gate shooting and compensate victims of the #EndSARS protests.
In a statement marking the sixth anniversary of the protests, the civil society organisation also demanded independent investigations, prosecution of officers responsible for abuses and comprehensive police reforms.
CAPPA urged political parties and candidates contesting the 2027 general elections to make these demands part of their campaign commitments.
The organisation recalled that the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry described the Lekki crackdown as a “massacre in context” and implicated the Nigerian Army and police in the deaths and injuries of protesters.
It also called for the full implementation of a July 2024 judgment by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, which found Nigeria liable for violating protesters’ fundamental rights and ordered compensation and fresh investigations.
CAPPA renewed its demand for justice for journalist Pelumi Onifade, who died after being arrested by Lagos State Task Force personnel in October 2020 while covering protest-related events.
The group said an autopsy confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound and called for the prosecution of those responsible.
The organisation warned that police brutality remained a concern, citing alleged abuses at Tiger Base, an anti-kidnapping unit of the Imo State Police Command, and the security response to the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, which it said left at least 24 people dead nationwide.
CAPPA also cautioned that establishing state police would not resolve Nigeria’s policing problems without stronger accountability and punishment for officers who abuse their powers.
Its recommendations include mandatory body-worn cameras for frontline police officers, dropping outstanding charges against people prosecuted solely for peaceful protests and designating the Lekki Toll Gate as a national historic memorial.
The group further called for a national programme of justice and reparations, including payment of outstanding compensation and medical and psychological support for survivors.
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