Scores of residents of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, continued their protest against police brutality on Sunday, a day after they were violently dispersed by the police.
Similar protests are being held across Nigeria, mainly against a notorious police unit, FSARS or SARS, which protesters want to be disbanded.
Officials of the unit have been repeatedly accused of various crimes including assault, extortion and murder.
On Thursday, protesters in Lagos spent a night outside of a government building. The Lagos protesters included rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, and another singer, Runtown. The protesters were also joined by Nigerian female singer, Tiwa Savage.
The Lagos House of Assembly later on Friday passed a motion backing calls for SARS to be scrapped. The lawmakers also urged the police to ensure the safety of protesters and not harass them.
After the street protests gained momentum, President Muhammadu Buhari said he has instructed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to “conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians” about police brutality
“I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people,” the president tweeted late Friday night.
The protesters, however, insisted that SARS be scrapped.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how one protester was shot dead, allegedly by the police, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Saturday.
On Saturday evening, the police fired teargas to disperse protesters in Abuja who gathered in front of the police headquarters.
The protesters, however, gathered again on Sunday.
Abuja Protests
As of 10:45 a.m., protesters had already gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to commence today’s procession.
Several activists and celebrities including popular singer, David Adeleke known as Davido, are expected to join.
PREMIUM TIMES will, on this page, bring you to live coverage of the protest in Abuja and as many other cities as possible.
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