By Admin
As the police continue to arrest protesters at the #Lekkitollgate, more nigerian youths continue to join the protest in spite of the presence of heavily armed policemen.
Police began arresting protesters and some bystanders as early as 7:am while video of police brutality against those arrested surfaced.
The protesters argued that the decision of the Lagos Judicial Panel- which is dealing with cases of injustices and brutality by police which led to last year’s massive revolt- to reopen the Lekki Toll-gate is unjustified and an affront on the memories of those who lost their lives at the scene.
Yesterday, the Lagos State Police Command said its men are in the Lekki-Ajah corridor in a show of strength to ward off criminalities in the area.
However, there is no evidence that suggests protesters are armed or are criminals before they were arrested and some of them beaten up.
One of those arrested is Debo Adebayo, a Nigerian comedian known as @Mr Macaroni, prominent figure in last year’s protests who also joined today’s event.
Macaroni, in a live instagram post was seen attested by the police and bundled into a waiting black maria. He however continued to stream live until his phones were seized by the police.
Shortly before he was arrested, Macaroni said: “In a circular, the attorney general stated that everyone has a right to protest but observe COVID-19 protocols.
“You are saying it’s our right but you’re restricting us. You’ll be arrested if you’re at the toll gate. I’m doing this live to show you that some of us have been arrested.
“The democracy our governors, president are enjoying, some people fought for it. Let us know if we are in a military regime.
“As a president, how on earth will you think the opening of toll gate is one of the things to do? Till now, what justice has come out from that panel? You are bullying youth representatives at the panel. How on earth do you think opening this toll gate is the next line of action.”
Guards belonging to the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) were seen assisting the police in arresting the protesters and one of the vehicles used in conveying those arrested.
Infactng also gathered that some of the youths have been detained at the Adeniji Adele police station, known for its corruption and brutality.
It was also gathered that the police have refused access to the detained as well as legal representation.
Reno Omokri, an activist and aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan in a tweet said he is ready to provide legal aide to the people arrested.
Meanwhile, former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode began to trend on Twitter and a video where he criticised the present Governor as incompetent and a drug addict surfaced online under the banner: Ambode warned us.
This was an indictment on the role played by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu against the youths in Lagos State.
