Ongoing Police Brutality in Nigeria Six Years After EndSARS

Six years after the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, which demanded an end to police brutality, allegations of torture, extortion, unlawful arrests, and extrajudicial killings remain prevalent in Nigeria. The protests were initially focused on the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), leading to the Federal Government's introduction of reforms, including the Police Act 2020.

However, recent incidents in Imo, Delta, and Cross River states have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these reforms. Amnesty International reported on several cases, including the death of Oyeleke, who was shot by a police officer, and Gafaru Buraimoh, killed during a police operation in Lagos.

The officer responsible for Buraimoh's death, Drambi Vandi, was sentenced to death in October 2023. Additionally, Onyeka Ibe was shot in Delta State allegedly over a bribe demand.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding police accountability and the treatment of citizens in custody.