Nigerian by-passers illegally detained by riot police at the reopening of Lekki Tollgate

Several protesters in Lagos, Nigeria were arrested earlier today after they tried to hold a peaceful rally against the reopening of the Lekki tollgate, where security forces shot at protesters in October, which became the epicenter of the #EndSARS movement.

Police bundled around 17 protesters into a black truck and some other people drove past shouting “End SARS”, referring to Nigeria’s police unit accused of committing the deadly abuses.

Videos have begun circulating on social media of men who allege that the police force illegally detained them as they were walking near the protest region.

Many view the reopening of the tollgate as ill-timed and inconsiderate to victims of the Lekki shootings.

Lekki tollgate became the centre of the protest movement against police brutality by the SARS unit, which hasn’t fully been disbanded. Click here to read more

The government promised reforms in response to the protests and shootings.

Nigeria’s government this week had warned against holding new protests at Lekki, saying the rallies could descend into violence in the name of justice.

After October’s deadly shooting, the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and Britain urged the Nigerian authorities to refrain from using excessive force.