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Protesters swarm Nigerian embassies worldwide

Nigerian embassies in cities around the world witnessed protests on Wednesday after the shooting of peaceful protesters in Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday evening.

#EndSARS protesters said the Military opened fire on hundreds of people on Tuesday evening to disperse the crowd after a curfew was imposed to end spiralling protests over police brutality and deep-rooted social grievances.

Lagos was deserted and shops were closed on Wednesday, but small-scale solidarity protests occurred in cities around the world, including Pretoria, Rome, Washington, Nairobi, Accra, New York, China, Dublin and London with thousands calling for an end to police brutality.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned the violence in Nigeria. “I am deeply concerned by the recent violence and continued clashes in Nigeria, and am alarmed by widespread reports of civilian deaths,” he said.

“We call for an end to violence. The Nigerian government must urgently investigate reports of brutality at the hands of the security forces and hold those responsible to account.” The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Wednesday condemned the killing of protesters and called for justice.
UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet strongly condemned the use of excessive and disproportionate force by Nigerian troops in Lagos, the country’s most populous city, with more than 14 million people. Ms Bachelet called on the Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to deal decisively with persistent breaches by the security forces, and work harder to bring police and army personnel guilty of crimes against civilians to justice. (PSN)

[Video] Children swimming, youths playing inside Oba Akiolu’s palace after looting

Rampaging youths yesterday besieged the palace of Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu after they successfully burnt Ebute Ero police post.

A recent video has surfaced online showing how some angry youth seized the palace for pleasure sake after looting the properties therein.

In the video, some of the aggrieved youths were seen drinking alcohol while children were busy relaxing in the swimming pool that used to be the reserve of the Akiolu’s.

Watch video:Video Player

#EndSARS: SPAR sends thought-provoking message to Nigerians after store got looted

The message appeared to have connected with many Nigerians on Twitter, going by the responses.

A store belonging to SPAR Nigeria, a chain of supermarket and department store, was looted in Ikoyi, Lagos, by hoodlums, as a fallout of the #EndSARS protests.

But the company, instead of sulking over its losses, chose to send a thought-provoking message to Nigerians.

“Our Lekki store has been vandalized and looted,” the company said in a message it posted on Twitter, on Wednesday.

“But, we acknowledge that this is only a setback compared to the larger issues we are all facing as a nation, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Nigerians everywhere, and for a peaceful resolution to various issues at hand.”

The company subsequently tweeted, “Rebuilding a supermarket is hard. Rebuilding a nation is even harder. We stand with you Nigeria.

“Stay focused. Be the solution,” it added.

The company uploaded on the micro-blogging site photos of the vandalised and looted store.

The message appeared to have connected with many Nigerians on Twitter, going by the responses.

Several people said they were deeply touched by the message, apologised to the company and vowed to patronise it, once order is restored in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Some people even said they would like to volunteer in any way they can to help SPAR.

“OMG!!! This is a heartbreaking message, I swear. @SPARNigeria, if you need any man power, contact me. I can help in whatever way. I can’t help financially, but if you need manpower, contact me,” one Twitter user, @JuniorOlan2, said.

“It appears @SPARNigeria supermarket has a better understanding of how to relate with Nigerians than Nigerian leaders. We shall overcome,” another Twitter user, @anthonykila, said.

“Wow. Even in all these losses, you chose positivity, sensitivity and empathy. May you find all the help you need to get back stronger and better,” said another Twitter user, @thamuliat.

“I hereby promise to never ever ever patronize any other store in any location where SPAR is available. It would always be SPAR! This is more than a promise, it is an oath,” said another Twitter user, @Fieryland.

“I couldn’t hold back tears rolling down my chick, looking at these pictures and reading the message they came with.

“Stay strong @SPARNigeria while phase passes. You’ve earned my respect and patronage for the next expected better phase,” a Twitter user, @Real_Mekz, said.

Hoodlums in different parts of Nigeria have been attacking public and private properties as a fallout of the #EndSARS protests.

The #EndSARS protests, which began nearly two weeks ago, seek an end to police brutality in the country, among other institutional reforms.

Some states in Nigeria have imposed curfews to curtail loss of lives and properties.

THE INVASION OF AKIOLU’S PALACE: DANGEROUS UNDERCURRENTS

By Rèmí Oyèyemí

“`As the Yorùbá Nation continues to witness rampage on the Streets of Lagos, they are wondering what is going on. The troubling targeted arsons of some places in Lagos has been making everyone to wonder.

There has been many theories to explain who were the people behind the burning down of the assets belonging to the APC Leader, Alhaji Bola Tinubu and the palace of Oba Akiolu of Lagos.

But this was the undercurrent that investigation has revealed.

Currently, there is an on-going silent war of supremacy in NURTW in Lagos State. It is between the supporters of the notorious M. C. Oluomo and Kunle Poly for the leadership of the Union.

There has been a feeling among the Lagos indigenes involved in the Union that they are being shortchanged in all things under the auspices of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His reported penchant to allegedly back foreigners against the interest of indigenes repeatedly was said to be infuriating.

Kunle Poly, an Ìsàlè-Èkó indigene was believed to have lost the leadership of NURTW to M. C. Oluomo because members of the Union were reportedly arm-twisted by Tinubu.

Tinubu was said to have initially preferred remaining neutral and allow the members make their choice of their own volition. But Seyi Tinubu had reportedly intervened on behalf of M. C. Oluomo and forced the hand of Bola Tinubu. Seyi’s reason was that Oluomo has been loyal and had to be rewarded.

The supporters of Kunle Poly have not been happy about this situation.

Sources noted that Oluomo had actually shown magnanimity to Kunle Poly and was working together with him. But his (Kunle’s) supporters were not assuaged. They were not satisfied.

It was these supporters who were determined to punish Tinubu for his role in installing M. C. Oluomo. Their grouse with Oba Akiolu of Lagos was that he (Akiolu) was seen as a traitor to the Ìsàlè – Èkó interests and was always supporting anything Tinubu did, no matter how hurtful such action was to their interests and fortunes.

The man who was seen in the video clip that went viral, carrying the Staff of Office of Oba Akiolu, is named Samson, an Ìsàlè-Èkó indigene. He is well known in the area and that was why nobody was bold enough to challenge him.

Samson who has been a vociferous supporter of Kunle Poly, is also the Lord of Manor at Oluwole where he supervises “owó ilè” collection. He is not an unknown quantity.

The invasion and looting of Oba Akiolu’s palace seemed strongly connected to his roles in this mess. The invaders only used the current crisis as cover.

It could not be established if this had any connection with the attacks on Bola Tinubu owned companies/establishments in Lagos.“`

©️ Rèmí Oyèyemí

*Copied.

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A Country Where Crocodile Smiles and Citizens Cry: Nigeria And Paradox of Leadership

By Godfree Matthew Esq

INTRODUCTION

Let me start by referring to one of the literary icons of Nigeria that inspires me the most, Albert Chinua Achebe. In the book the trouble with Nigeria 1983 he remarks that the problem with Nigeria is squarely and simply the problems of leadership. There is nothing wrong with Nigerian climate or weather. The problem is in the failure of the Nigerian leaders to live up to personal example, which is the hallmark of leadership.

Many decades after the book was written leadership deficit continues to becloud Nigeria. Many successive governments came with promises of bettering the lots of Nigerians but they ended up as aborted aspirations. The aspirations of these administrations did not make Nigerians “smile for real.”

Smile is a natural human expression associated with joy, happiness, celebrations, victories, fulfillments and hopefulness. In sheer contrast a crocodile is an animal that rarely smiles, and even if it does, it will hardly be noticed because of  the nature of its face. Good leadership ought to carry citizens to their destinations of joy and fulfillment where people will smile. However, in Nigeria, there appears to be exchange of dividends of   leadership – where Crocodiles (representing animals) smile more than the citizens. It is from this inspiration that this article is titled “Nigeria- a Country Where Crocodile Smiles and Citizens Cry: Paradox of Leadership”.

THE SMILING CROCODILE AND THE CRYING NIGERIANS 

The phrase smiling crocodile is not only attributed to the Code Name of military operation in quelling internal crises, it is also attributed to how animals are smiling more than Nigerians, in democracy that they did not build. In this context, the phrase smiling crocodile is used to refer to the general states of insecurity in Nigeria and extrajudicial killing perpetrated by Nigerian army under different names.

Crocodile is naturally a carnivorous animal- a flesh eater. For it to keep smiling it means that it must have filled its stomach with flesh. The next question to ask is what type of flesh does the crocodile feed on in Nigeria? It will not be out of place to say that the flesh that makes Crocodile smiling in Nigeria is human flesh; the flesh of innocent Nigerians.  For the Crocodile cannot feed on the flesh of Nigerian cows because may be cows are more sacred than humans in Nigeria.

The death of ENDSARS protesters in Lekki who were shot by military officers clearly show that in Nigeria the Crocodile has many cause to smile, but the citizens are left to cry. This further spurred the question on whether it is the duty of Nigerian government to make citizens cry and make crocodile smile? Was Nigerian government elected by Crocodiles? From these questions and the facts surrounding the ENDSARS protest it is clear that the crocodile benefits more than Nigerians in this government because while crocodile smile, Nigerians cry. This is because of the fact that Buhari’s leadership accord greater opportunity for animals to be happier than men. May be it will not be out of place for People for the Ethical Treatments of Animal (PETA) to give him an award, this will also be contested because it was not all animal that he treats equally in Nigeria. Some animals are more equal than others, as postulated by George Orwell.

The Crocodile is so happy and smiling in Nigeria’s democracy to the extent that it extended such gestures to his fellow animals. One may be right to think that in Nigeria, it appears that ‘animal farm’ is happier than “human family”.  Cows in Nigeria have special protection and security ‘apparatus’ than Nigerian citizens.  Despite the plethora of bad Road networks, poor housing schemes and dearth of portable water in Nigeria, the government appears to be interested in making the kindred of the crocodile to smile the more than its citizens. This is seen in the recent move and proactiveness to sink billion of naira to rediscover grazing routes (good roads network for cows), to establish ranching (housing estates for cows) and waterways for the crocodile and its kinsmen to smile further. It is pathetic that while animals can afford such necessities some Nigerians are yet to access such dividends of governance. It is quiet unfortunate that even Nigerians citizens takin care of the crocodiles and cows don’t have access to such benefits as these animals. Thus, while crocodile smile, Nigerians cry.

The Crocodile smiles after devouring a lot of innocent blood killed in Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Katsina Zamfara and other states in Nigeria. The reason is because the kindred of the crocodiles, the cows are affected as such many Nigerians farmers were killed by herdsmen, Fulani or unknown gunmen. In Nigeria, the crocodile is always ready to defend the cows but careless about the people.

Furthermore, crocodile as metaphor of insecurity in Nigeria, is smiling because   over the years, it served as abattoir of corruption where monies meant for securities were diverted into personal pocket. Thus, making crocodile an industrial venture of looted security funds and unaccountable “security votes” by government officials.

Crocodile also refers to the situation of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria. Crocodile in Hausa Language is called ‘Kada’ (singular). In plural, the word ‘crocodiles’ is called ‘Kaduna” in Hausa. It is from the word Kaduna that Kaduna State got its name (from a river called Kaduna because it was formerly filled with crocodiles).

When one noticed the level of the lives and property loss in Kaduna State under Buhari, it is factual to conclude that the crocodile has its field day in Kaduna state. The lives lost in Kaduna and the inability or unwillingness of the Government to address it, clearly shows that the crocodile smiles while Nigerians in Kaduna are crying. In Kaduna State Crocodiles are really smiling and Nigerians are in continuous mourning.  The plight of the wailing Nigerians and smiling crocodiles in Southern Kaduna is a scare to the conscience of humanity that the global community is highly interested to address in due time.

Another family of the crocodile that smiles and keep Nigerians weeping is Operation Python Dance. This operation led to the death of many political agitators in Nigeria as well as some innocent civilians.  Most of the victims of operation python dance are Biafran agitators and the innocent citizens of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. By killing the innocent Nigerians through extrajudicial killings the Python has caused its fellow crocodile (extrajudicial killing) happy as such they can smile and dance together, while the Nigerians can continue to weep in pains and count their losses.

However, it is important to note that a very good habitat and ecosystem that is friendly to Python is forest. Nigerians questioned the rational of assigning the Python to go for operation in East where there is less military engagement than Zambisa forest- the hub of Boko Haram. To them it is the misapplication of resources to send Python to operate or constricts its victims in a place where it is not mostly needed.  Even when, the ‘Crocodile’ was sent to Baga in 2014 to fight terrorist, the crocodiles smote Nigerians. As such crocodile smiled and Nigerians cry.

THE HYPOCRISY OF THE CROCODILE  

Crocodile as an animal has been used as metaphor to refer to pretence and   insincerity. For example, the word crocodile tears mean a pretence and expression of sorrow that is not sincere. The insincerity of the crocodile is to the extent that it affected the genuineness of its smile, hence, another phrase never smile with a crocodile. The phrase never smiles with a crocodile means that don’t trust the smile of the crocodile for it is deceptive as its tears. The phrase never smile at a crocodile is derived from a poem titled “Never Smile at a Crocodile” written by Jack Lawrence and Frank Churchill. The first stanza of the poem run as follows:

                           Never smile at a crocodile 

                           No you can’t get friendly with a crocodile 

                           Don’t be taken in by his welcome Grin

                           He’s imagining how well you’d fit within his skin

The above poem depicts the hypocrisy of Crocodiles, that even when it smiles, it doesn’t mean that things are rosy. Its smile is sheer pretence and deception. Situating that within the context of Nigeria army’s Operation Crocodile smile, one may agree with the writer on whether Nigerian army are happy with the situation at hand. They are not happy with lack of equipment they need to perform their duties. They are not happy with the general security architecture of the nation at large. Facts abound in the instances of mutiny, killing of superiors by their subordinates, suicide and other ways of expressing their dissatisfaction.

Recently, in the ENSARS campaign Nigeria army officer, by name Lance Corporal Harrison Friday, expressed his solidarity with the protesters. This happens when he tweeted via Twitter to his colleagues on operation Crocodile Smile and pleading with them not to shoot ENDSARS protesters. Thus, while other crocodiles are ‘smiling’ on ENDSARS protesters, this ‘crocodile’ (Officer Harrison Friday) refused to smile, instead he cried alongside with other Nigerians. Consequently he was arrested by the Nigerian army on the allegation of cybercrime.

CONCLUSION

The aspiration of every good government is to make its citizens happy. This is done by ensuring the security and welfare of the citizens are prioritized by the government. This should be its ultimate goals. However, where the people are not happy with the government, they have the legitimate rights to express them and government has the corresponding duty to listen to their grievances and not use force on them. Doing so is a repression and crimes against democracy and humanity. It is the dream of this writer that one day in Nigerians will smile together in peace and unity.

The killing of protesters by Nigerian army in Lekki is unconstitutional, barbaric and reprehensible. It is affront to the sanctity of democracy. The use of military to quell civil protest was declared unlawful in the case of   YUSUF V BUHARI (2003) 14 NWLR (PT 841) 446 where the Court of Appeal that:

It is up to the police to protect our nascent democracy and not the military otherwise the democracy might be wittingly or unwittingly militarized. That is not what the citizens bargained for in wrestling power from the military in 1999. Conscious steps should be taken to civilianized the polity and thereby ensure the survival of and sustenance of our democracy.

It is unfortunate to note President Buhari was the beneficiary of the above judgement when he was a citizen. Now that he is the President he chose to neglect the sanctity of the institution that once protected, but deployed military to quell protest- which led to the death of innocent Nigerians. This act on its own is illegality that must investigated.

Nigeria is a democratic state where the rule of law and respect for human rights is supposed to prevail.  The killings of the Lekki Protesters must be investigated and prosecuted.  The culprit must equally be sanctioned for their wrong doing. It is better for President Buhari to deal with those who committed these extrajudicial killings now or the International Criminal Court (ICC) will help Nigerians to get justice.

EXCLUSIVE: The address President Buhari could have given – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

President Muhammadu Buhari. PHOTO: TWITTER/NIGERIAGOV

NOTE to television broadcasters: please include subtitles to enable all Nigerians hear and understand

Fellow Nigerians,

This is a difficult time for our nation, but together we will prevail.

On Tuesday, October 20th, 2020, in the Lekki area of Lagos, innocent Nigerians exercising their democratic right to protest were attacked by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Some died. Many were injured. This terrible incidence has no place in our country. The role of the Nigerian Army is to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.

I condole with the families of those who were killed and with all those who were injured. I have ordered an immediate investigation and have directed that a report be presented to me in the next five days.

As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, the ultimate responsibility is mine. This is not a time for vague words or generic promises. This is a time for action and I am determined to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

Restitution is an essential element of justice. I have directed that all hospital bills of the injured be paid by the federal government. The families of those who were killed, as well as the injured, will receive compensation from the federal government. This compensation is merely a small way of acknowledging the pain and suffering of innocent citizens. It is not intended in any way to dismiss or minimize what happened. We are already reaching out to identify those who deserve compensation. Our Twitter handle @NGRPresident will release further information shortly.

These are not normal times, and therefore we cannot rely on the old ways of doing things. On October 12th I acknowledged the valid concerns of the Nigerians protesting against the excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). But more could have been done. I have now directed, with immediate effect, the arrest of those SARS officers, past and present, who have credibly been accused of extrajudicial crimes. I am presently reviewing recommendations by the Security Chiefs on how best to retrain some officers formerly with SARS. I emphasise SOME, as there are those who are not worthy to serve in any security capacity and will face justice. I assure you that their trials will be fair and open to the public.

Let me be clear that the protests we have witnessed all over this country in the past two weeks were not anti-police, but anti-police-brutality. A democracy must have law and order, but we cannot in the name of law and order abuse innocent citizens.

I am committed to the implementation of extensive Police reforms. The salaries, benefits and living conditions of the Nigerian Police Force and other paramilitary services will be improved with immediate effect. I have directed the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to expedite the process and ensure that the implementation begins by October 30th 2020.

Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the legitimate line of duty. I condole with their families. The federal government will give all assistance to the bereaved in a speedy and dignified manner.

Reports of vandalism and looting in such places as Lagos, Enugu and Rivers are partly the result of thugs who have infiltrated the legitimate protests in order to further their own nefarious goals and partly the actions of legitimately aggrieved citizens who have unfortunately decided to unlawfully express their anger There will be zero tolerance for any damage done to the lives and property of citizens.

Let me also acknowledge that mistakes were made in the security provided during the protests. Thugs should never have been allowed to infiltrate the protests. There were failures of policing during the protests.

Some innocent people were arrested while thugs were allowed free reign. I have ordered the immediate release of any Nigerian citizen arrested for lawfully participating in the protest while reinforcing our zero-tolerance policy for those engaging in vandalism.

For two weeks, the protests occurred lawfully, without violence and damage to property. To those Nigerians who suspect that the sudden change in the tone and manner of protests is a result of unscrupulous thugs being paid to disrupt the protests and create chaos, I assure you that your suspicions will be fully investigated.

The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of Nigerian citizens. It is a right that all Nigerians remain free to exercise.

I enjoin all Nigerian citizens to keep in mind that ours is a diverse but united nation. Any appeals to ethnic sentiment must be resisted. Any attacks on people based on ethnicity must be rejected. Whether from the north or from the south, from the west or the east, we are Nigerians. As Nigerians, we must unite against forces that threaten our democracy.

Some states have set up curfews to maintain law and order, but a curfew without security is a threat to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. I will work with state governors to ensure that there is adequate security in all the states of the federation.

I would like to thank those state governors, traditional, religious and youth leaders who have not only appealed for calm but have taken actions to identify with the legitimate grievances of their people.

Next week, I will address you again and update you on the ongoing plans to restore our country. I believe that with political will, justice is always achievable. I refer to the truism that there can be no peace without justice. Today I pledge to you my commitment to justice and to peace.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

VIDEO: #EndSARS – Emotional Moment a Young man Stopped Hoodlums from Destroying Properties in Lagos

A Nigerian filmmaker, Ideh Chukwuma has been spotted in a viral video stopping an angry mob from destroying properties in Lagos. The Nigerian man who insisted that the mob will have to kill him first before setting any property on fire, encouraged them to protest without destroying any property. He also wondered what they are fighting for if they will burn down their city. Chukwuma also asked the mob why they are killing policemen since they claim they are fighting to also improve the lives of security operatives.

Watch the Video Below:

#EndSARS: Femi Adesina Blames Churches, Mosques

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has blamed churches and mosques as well as some sections of the media for promoting messages of hate.

He added that the #EndSARS movement was a vehicle of hate messages.

The President’s spokesman said this in an article titled, ‘If Nigeria Dies, Hatred Killed Her’.

Adesina wrote, “The EndSARS campaign began as an agitation against police brutality, in which there was unanimity of purpose. And suddenly, it became a vehicle of hate, against leadership, against national cohesion, an opportunity to settle political scores, and equally, prepare for a power grab in 2023. Hatred came into the mix.”

Several influential clerics, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, had openly expressed support for the #EndSARS protests even as the RCCG posted a video and stories of some of its youths that were victims of police harassment.

However, Adesina said many churches and mosques used the campaign to spread messages of hate and division.

The President’s spokesman added, “When things boil over in graphic demonstration of hatred, it is a culmination of negative sentiments and tendencies. They come in persistent negative postings on social media, which generate and stimulate hate.

“From hateful messages from the pulpit, as if that was the message of love, Jesus Christ handed over to his followers. From unduly critical messages during Jumat services. From radio and television programs, in which bile is spewed. From talk shows which become a harangue of government, newspaper articles and columns tailored to instigate and generate dissent, and the like.

“Eventually, all culminated in hatred, which finds expression in genuine causes like the EndSARS campaign. When things boil over, they leave sorrow, tears and blood in their wake, as we have seen. And who suffers? The whole country. Who bleeds? Nigeria.”

Adesina said the agitation by youths against injustice and oppression suddenly took on a variegated nature.

He added that separatists came under the umbrella and began to advance their cause, working for the dismemberment of the country.

“Those beaten black and blue in the 2015 and 2019 elections also crept in, and asked for their pound of flesh, while also plotting for a return to power in 2023,” the President’s aide said.

Adesina expressed shock over the sudden turn of events which led to killings and the destruction of public property.

Taking another swipe at religious institutions, he wrote, “HatredHatred is evinced from many quarters for Nigeria, and for its government and people at any given time. It comes from churches, mosques, professional activists and agitators, interest groups, some elements in the media, so-called analysts who never see anything good, and so on.”

Adesina claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari had discussed with him how he was impressed with the then Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, and the reforms he was implementing in the institution.

He, however, did not say why Buhari failed to extend the tenure of Arase despite his achievements.

The President’s spokesman added, “The President told me how much he had been impressed with Arase, and how he regretted that the man spent just about a year with him. He then told me about the police of his dreams, and how he wished he got someone who would translate the vision into reality.

“So, when the President said in a speech to the protesters last week that comprehensive police reform was coming, I knew what he had in mind. If only we would be patient and let him implement the five-point demand of the protesters, which he had accepted. But alas, the protest took another hue and nature, different from the original concept and focus. Hatred crept in, nurtured by all sorts of tendencies.

Nigeria Sars protest: The misinformation circulating online

Protests about the Sars police unit have been going on for two weeks

Protests began earlier this month in Nigeria calling on the authorities to abolish a controversial police unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars).

The story has started trending globally, with thousands of posts on social media, but not all of them factual.

We have looked at some of the misinformation that has spread online.

The woman protestor whose brothers were not killed by the police

A striking image of a woman called Ugwu Blessing Ugochukwu crying while holding a folded Nigerian flag, and sitting on top of a statue have been widely shared on Twitter.

Screen shot of social post labelled False

The image is real, and she had joined protests in south-eastern Nigeria. But as the image was shared, people started adding misleading information.

“Not one brother…3…on the same day…killed and dumped in a well,” a widely-circulated reply to one of the posts with the image said, claiming she’d lost family members at the hands of the police.

When we contacted a spokesperson for Ms Ugochukwu called Gideon Obianime, he told us this was not true.

He said Ms Ugochukwu herself was briefly detained by Sars forces in 2018, but although she has brothers, none of them had been killed by Sars forces.

“I think people started adding assumptions to the photo. She has been getting a lot of backlash [over this],” Mr Obianime told the BBC.

Carrying the national flag will not protect you from the army

Screen shot of Facebook post labelled misleading

This unproven claim has gone viral – that a soldier cannot shoot someone holding the Nigerian flag.

It’s been widely shared on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, with some suggesting there’s an unwritten military code to that effect.

The claim appears to have originated from a screenshot of a conversation, in which someone says they were told this by their dad, a retired army officer.

Someone replies saying: “I think this is military code… You guys should repost so protesters will see.”

However, there’s no evidence for this, and some accounts have since deleted their posts after other online users pointed out it was misleading.

Onyekachi Umah, a lawyer in Nigeria, told the BBC there were laws about respecting the national flag, but added: “Just the fact that someone is holding the flag would not mean they [the army] cannot act.”

We have asked the army to find out if the practice is not to target any person holding the flag, but they have yet to respond.

However, a Nigerian journalist told us they had asked a former senior officer about this, and had been told no such practice existed.

No, a senior Nigerian official didn’t call the protests ‘child’s play’

Screen shot of Twitter post labelled misleading

A few days into the protests, a video was posted online showing one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s advisers, Femi Adesina, apparently referring to them as just “child’s play”.

Many interpreted this to mean the president’s adviser was dismissing the protests.

Alongside the video was a message: “If you are not angry enough, I hope this video helps you.”

But the video is old and has been edited out of context.

It relates to a different set of protests held two months ago – and has nothing to do with the Sars issue.

At the time, Mr Adesina had been on a local TV station talking about those protests. But the video posted on Twitter has been edited to remove the introduction, which would have given the proper context.

The TV station concerned, Channels TV, has now issued a clarification about the video.

And Mr Adesina himself has released a statement, thanking the station for the clarification, and saying that the misleading video led to his phone being “bombarded…. with curses, expletives, and messages from the pit of hell”.

The ‘fake’ shopping mall incident that wasn’t fake

A screenshot of a tweet claiming a video was an old video

And now for an example of something being called out as fake that did happen – although exactly who was involved is not clear.

A video showing looting and violence at a shopping mall in south-west Nigeria’s Osun state over the weekend became the subject of accusations and counter-accusations about links to the anti-police brutality protests.

The short video was posted by a Twitter account belonging to the All Progressives Congress UK – a group allied to Nigeria’s ruling party – alleging that protesters linked to the anti-Sars movement were looting.

But some online users supporting the anti-Sars protests were quick to dismiss the video.

They said it was not related to Sars protests, but from the retaliatory attacks last year against South African-associated businesses after Nigerians had been targeted in South Africa.

Others claimed the video was staged.

From the video, some shops in the location can be clearly identified and we found they match photos posted on the Osun Mall website.

The BBC spoke to one of the shop owners and someone who witnessed the attack, who confirmed it took place.

Also, this mall only opened in December last year, some months after the xenophobic attacks – which rules out the video being from then.

We have contacted the state police to try to find out who was involved in the incident, but have yet to receive a response.

Nigerian Catholic bishops and an anti-Sars protest

A tweet which used an old photo of Nigerian Catholic bishops on a march

A tweet that has been re-tweeted thousands of times falsely claimed that Catholic bishops had marched in support of the protests.

The tweet included a photo showing bishops among a procession of people, most of them wearing black, with some carrying placards.

But this photo is old.

A reverse image search shows it is from March, when the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led a protest in Abuja against killings and kidnappings in the country.

The umbrella body of Catholic Bishops in Nigeria has issued a statement supporting the Sars protests, but they have not physically joined in any protests.

Additional reporting by BBC Monitoring’s Linnete Bahati and BBC Africa’s Yemisi Adegoke

Can A Person With A Nigerian Flag Be Shot Or Killed?

Daily Law Tips (Tip 682 ) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LL.M, ACIArb(UK)

 Introduction: 

Recently in social media, there has been a claim that a person displaying a Nigerian Flag, cannot be shot/injured or killed by the Nigerian Army or any law enforcement agent. Some say it a special code within the military and para-military. This work unveils what the Nigerian law says about relationship between a person with a Nigerian Flag and the law enforcement agents (including the military and the para-military). It considers the Right to Life and Dignity; Lawful killing; the Legal Framework of the Nigerian Flag; Patriotism and the Nigerian Flag; Shootings/Killings and the Nigerian Flag; the Interaction of “Obeying the Last Command” with human Rights and ends with a Recommendation. 

The Right to Life and Dignity: 

All persons in Nigeria have a right to life. No person in Nigeria can be tortured, dehumanized, cut, punched, shot or killed by any other person. So, ordinarily, no law enforcement agency, military or para-military can torture, shoot or kill any person in Nigeria. The Right to Life and the Right to dignity of all persons in Nigeria are among the fundamental human rights contained in the constitution of Nigeria. 

It is important to mention that fundamental human rights are the natural entitlement of persons, they are legally provided by law and cannot be ordinarily denied by any person or government. Fundamental human rights are basic, elementary, mandatory, compulsory and unshakable entitlements of persons. Fundamental human rights are never purchased rather acquired by being a person (human being or corporate being). 

Who Can Be Lawfully Shot/Killed in Nigeria?

Although the fundamental human rights of persons are golden, they are not absolute and unbendable. There are constitutionally approved restrictions to the fundamental human rights but never a lawful violation of human rights. 

The Right to life and Right to Dignity of persons in Nigeria are fundamental human rights that must be respected by all persons (including, government, the military and paramilitary.) However, the constitution of Nigeria allows fundamental human rights to be restricted in certain rare circumstances with strict adherence to certain constitutional procedures.

In the constitution of Nigeria, there are special circumstances when the Right to Life of any person in Nigeria can be lawfully restricted/suspended. In other words, there are special conditions where a person in Nigeria can be lawfully killed. The only circumstances where the constitution of Nigeria allows the right to life of a person to be deprived are; 

  1. Where there is a valid order of court in respect of a criminal case, ordering that a Convict be executed (killed). It is only a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, after hearing a criminal case, that can convict a defendant and sentence the defendant to death. Example is where a person has been found guilty of murder by a State High Court after hearing a criminal case, the court have sentenced the murder to death, to be killed by hanging. 
  2. Where a person is killed by another person in self defence or in defence of another person or in defence of a property from unlawful violence. A person can be lawfully killed, where the person killed in applying unlawful violence to another person and the killer acted in a reasonable defence. The killer must prove that the killed person was applying unlawful violence (like, shooting at the killer) and that the killer had no other reasonable option apart from applying similar violence. For example, an armed robber that shot several times at a victim and somehow the victim retaliates by throwing a knife that killed the armed robber. It is important to note that where a man is slapped and in retaliation, he used an axe on the slapper, the action of the man is not reasonable and equal. This is the exception that permits the law enforcement agents to shot and kill armed criminals during exchange of bullets/fire, where there are no reasonable means of arresting such armed criminals. 
  1. Where a person is killed during a lawful arrest or in a process to prevent the escape of a lawfully detained person, so far as a necessary reasonable force is applied. The circumstances of each case matters and more importantly, the concerned law enforcement agent must be highly professional and must have exhausted every other reasonable option. For example, a law enforcement agent should not shoot a handcuffed suspect merely because the suspect was kicking the law enforcement agent with his legs, when the law enforcement agent could have tied the legs. Hence, only very reasonable minimal force is acceptable. 
  2. Where a person is killed from a reasonable and necessary force applied by law enforcement agents to suppress riot, insurrection or mutiny, it may be a lawful killing. During riot, insurrection or mutiny the law enforcement agents can apply reasonable force as may be necessary to end such act, and any death resulting from such is not a violation of the right to life. 

For avoidance of doubt, under the Criminal Code (a criminal offences law that operates in the Southern part of Nigeria) “Riot” is loud, confusing and disorderly gathering of three (3) or more persons that are disturbing the peace and safety of others. Under the Penal Code (a criminal offences law that operates in the Northern Nigeria), “Riot” is where force or violence is used by an unlawful assembly (a group of 5 or more persons with a common desire to intimidate government, public officer, law and to commit crime). 

“Insurrection” is a violent up rise against the government. “Mutiny” is an up rise and revolt or coup against leadership, authority and government by the members of the military. Obviously, a peaceful protest is not a riot, an unlawful assembly, insurrection or mutiny. Consequently, peaceful protest is not any of the circumstances where there can be any lawful or justifiable shootings and killings. 

Hence, apart from the above four (4) circumstances, there is no room, excuse or permission for any person whatsoever to shot or kill any person in Nigeria. Any killing outside the above 4 circumstances is an extra-judicial killing and should be prosecuted in court. Also, claims that any killing was done under any of the 4 circumstances should always be thoroughly investigated to avoid abuse and to promote justice. 

The Nigerian Flag:

The Nigerian Flag is the official Flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The National Flag was designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi and officially flown on 1st October 1960, although it was adopted in 1959. It is made up of two colors; Green and White. “The green panels represent agriculture; the white stands for peace and unity”.

The National Flag can be flown in a public place in any part of Nigeria. Any person that intends to fly or display the National Flag in any public place needs the approval (license) of the Federal Minister of Interior Affairs, unless the National Flag is being displayed or flown to show patriotism and support for Nigeria. 

Hence, the National Flag can be flown and displayed in any part of Nigeria and in a private or public place without any permit/approval, in a show of support for Nigeria. It is safe to assume that no law enforcement agency can arrest any person that is patriotic and supportive of Nigeria. The term “Public Place” includes any highway, wharf, street, bridge, parks, and thoroughfares, among other places. 

Patriotism and the Nigerian Flag:

Patriotism is a strong and passionate support for one’s country. A patriotic Nigerian is a Nigerian that selflessly supports and promotes Nigeria. The constitution of Nigeria has given six (6) duties of any Nigerian in any part of the world. 

The first of the 6 duties of every citizen of Nigeria, is to “abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities”. This shows how important the Nigerian/National Flag is to Nigeria and every citizen of Nigeria. Click this link to read more on the 6 duties of Nigerian; <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/six-duties-of-all-nigerians-in-any-part-of-the-world-daily-law-tips-tip-402-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarb-uk/>

By a federal law (the Flag and Coats of Arms Act), there are special duties expected of any person in possession of the Nigerian Flag. Among them are; the National Flag cannot be flown or displayed on the same staff (pole, pipe, stick or rod) or cross bar with the flag of any other State, or the flag of any other country. Also, the national flag must not be dirty, tattered, defaced and torn when displayed or flown. 

Shootings/Killings and the Nigerian Flag:

As earlier mentioned, the only time a Nigerian (National) Flag can be used, flown or displayed without a license from the Minister of Interior Affairs in any public place, is where the flag is being used to show support and patriotism for Nigeria. However, the Flag and Coats of Arms Act states that the duty of proving that a Nigerian Flag is being used to show patriotism is on the user of the flag. This is understandably, after all, not even the devil knows the intention of any man. It is possible that one may hold a Nigerian Flag and still not be supporting Nigeria. Support to Nigeria is a state of mind that must be proved by any person that claims to be patriotic by his actions and inactions, aside holding the Nigerian Flag. 

However, whether a person that is holding the Nigerian Flag is patriotic or not, such a person has fundamental human rights. After all, fundamental human rights are for Nigerians and foreigners. Also, whether a person is holding the Nigerian Flag or not, he/she has fundamental human rights. These include the right to life and the right to dignity of human person. 

However, whether a person is carrying a Nigerian Flag or not, where a person commits any offence, the person must be arrested, charged to court and prosecuted. It is left for the court to hear the criminal case, convict the person and where necessary, sentence the person to death. Hence, the law enforcement agents, the military and para-military have no right to shot or kill any person, whether the person is carrying/holding the Nigerian Flag or not. 

Where there is a peaceful protest there is no offence. Whether peaceful protesters have the Nigerian Flag or not, the fundamental human rights of the peaceful protesters must be respected and protected by all persons, including government, the law enforcement agents, the military and the paramilitary. 

Where there is a riot, the government and the law enforcement agents are constitutionally allowed to apply and use necessary and reasonable force to quench the riot. In doing so, the reasonable force my affect the lives of rioters. Riot is not a peaceful protest and while government can use force on rioter, government should never use force on peaceful protesters. 

While fundamental human rights can be restricted and suspended by government in stopping riots, no fundamental human right should be suspended during peaceful protests. Rather peaceful protest should be encouraged and the peaceful protesters protected at all times. 

“Obeying the Last Command” and the Fundamental Human Rights: 

Most people believe that law enforcement agents, the military and the para-military that violate fundamental human rights cannot be punished, since they are often just obeying the orders of a superior officer. This is incorrect, very wrong. 

By a federal law made in 2017, known as the Anti-Torture Act, any officer in the forces, the military, the Police or any formation whatsoever, has the right to reject and refuse any order from a superior that will violate the fundamental human rights of any person. Hence, the code of “Obey the Last Command”, “Obey Without Complaint” or “Obey First” no longer matter. Rather they have now turned to; “Obey the Last Command that is Lawful”, “Obey Without Complaint, if the Order is lawful” and “Obey First, when the Order is Lawful”.

By the Anti-Torture Act 2017, an order from above, from superior officers, authority, even from the president of Nigeria, for the torture of any person is not a justification for torture. Rather the superior officers, the lower officers and all other persons involved in torture are punishable upon conviction with up to 25 years imprisonment.

Shooting and Killing are torture. Where there is torture by any security, military or para-military agency, the immediate commanding officer in-charge of the unit/department that committed such offence of torture will be held liable as an accessory to the crime, for any act or omission or negligence on his part that may have led to the commission of torture by his subordinates/colleagues. Any person that witnesses or is present when torture is being conducted is as liable as the person that conducted torture. Such witness is deemed as having participated in the torture. This applies to any person; military, para-military or civilian!

By the Anti-Torture Act 2017, any form of torture is an offence and a court can punish an offender with imprisonment for not more than 25 years, without an option of fine. Where torture leads to death, the violator will be tried for murder. The punishment for murder is death. Also, with internal disciplinary measures, the concerned police officer may lose his job too.

Recommendation and Conclusion:  

Fundamental Human Rights are self-sufficient and they do not need the Nigerian Flag for them to be respected by any person. Irrespective of whatever any law enforcement agents, the military and para-military are taught, they must respect fundamental human rights of all persons in Nigeria even as they respect the Nigerian Flag. Both the Nigerian Flag and the fundamental human rights in Nigeria are created by the constitution of Nigeria. There is no reason to violate the constitution of Nigeria. If there must be a restriction of any fundamental human right, such restriction must be in line with the constitution of Nigeria. 

Where there is a violation of fundamental human rights or an unlawful restriction of fundamental human rights, the victim or the supporters of the victim should approach a State High Court or the Federal High Court for adequate remedies/compensation. It is easy and fast to get judgment in such cases, because they are urgently treated. Just engage the services of a good lawyer. 

My authorities, are:

  1. Section 1, 2, 3, 24, 33, 34, 318 and 319 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
  2. Sections 2, 7, 8 and 14 of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
  3. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Flag and Coats of Arms Act, 1960
  4. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 69, 70, 71 and 72 of the Criminal Code Act, 1916. 
  5. Sections 1, 3, 4, 5, 100, 105, 106 of the Penal Code Act, 1960
  6. The judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (on meaning and nature of fundamental human rights) in the case of RANSOME-KUTI & ORS v. AG FEDERATION & ORS (1985) LPELR-2940(SC)
  7. The judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (on meaning and nature of fundamental human rights) in the case of AGBAI & ORS v. OKOGBUE (1991) LPELR-225(SC)
  8. The judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (on when and why fundamental human rights can be restricted/suspended) in the case of DOKUBO-ASARI v. FRN (2007) LPELR-958(SC).
  9. Onyekachi Umah, “Six Duties Of All Nigerians In Any Part Of The World” (LearnNigrerianLaws.com, 28 August 2019) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/six-duties-of-all-nigerians-in-any-part-of-the-world-daily-law-tips-tip-402-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarb-uk/ > accessed 20 October 2020. 
  10. A. Igoni Barret, “I remember the day … I designed the Nigerian flag” (Aljazeera, 3 September 2015)<https://www.aljazeera.com/program/episode/2015/9/3/i-remember-the-day-i-designed-the-nigerian/ > accessed 20 October 2020. 
  11. Onyekachi Umah, ”Can Any State In Nigeria Own A Flag And Fly It Instead Of The National Flag?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 7 November 2018) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/daily-law-tips-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-tip-222-can-any-state-in-nigeria-own-a-flag-and-fly-it-instead-of-the-national-flag/ > accessed 20 October 2020. 
  12. “Federal Republic of Nigeria” (FOTW, 10 October 2015) <https://fotw.info/flags/ng.html > accessed 20 October 2020.
  13. Onyekachi Umah, “Is Obeying “Orders From Above” A Defence For Torture In Nigeria”, (Daily Law Tips [Tip 409]) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/is-obeying-orders-from-above-a-defence-for-torture-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-409-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarb-uk/> accessed 5 October 2020. 
  14. Onyekachi Umah, “Human Rights That Can Never Be Restricted Even In War, Pandemic or State of Emergency (Daily Law Tips [Tip 539]) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/human-rights-that-can-never-be-restricted-even-in-war-pandemic-or-state-of-emergency-daily-law-tips-tip-539-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/> accessed 18 October 2020.
  15. “Demand justice for Police Brutality in Nigeria” (Amnesty International) <https://www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/nigeria-end-impunity-for-police-brutality-end-sars/> accessed 5 October 2020.
  16. Onyekachi Umah, “Any Security Agency’s Manual/Protocol That Allows Torture Even For National Security Cases Is Unlawful And Its Officers Are Liable”, (Daily Law Tip [Tip 412] <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/any-security-agency-s-manual-protocol-that-allows-torture-even-for-national-security-cases-is-unlawful-and-its-officers-are-liable-daily-law-tips-tip-412-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarb-uk/> accessed 5 October 2020. 
  17. Onyekachi Umah, “Does The President/Governors Have Powers To Lockdown Any Part Of Nigeria Or Restrict Human Rights?” (Daily Law Tips [Tip 537]) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/does-the-president-governors-have-powers-to-lockdown-any-part-of-nigeria-or-restrict-human-rights-daily-law-tips-tip-537-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/ > accessed 18 October 2020. 
  18. Onyekachi Umah, “When and How Can Government Prohibit Protest In Nigeria” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 19 October 2020) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/when-and-how-can-government-prohibit-protest-in-nigeria/ > accessed 21 October 2020.
  19. Onyekachi Umah, “What Is The Punishment For Any Person Including Police Officers That Tortures Another Person”, (Daily Law Tip [251]) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/daily-law-tips-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-tip-251-what-is-the-punishment-for-any-person-including-police-officers-that-tortures-another-person/> accessed 5 October 2020.
  20. Peter Mwai, “Nigeria Sars protest: The misinformation circulating online” (BBC News, 23 October 2020) <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54628292 > accessed 23 October 2020.

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