Timeline of activities
Key events from October 2020 – October 2021
Click below to jump to a section
- The Call for Protest to #EndSARS
- Dissolution of SARS, Establishment of SWAT and Setup of Judicial Panel of Inquiries on Police Brutality
- #LekkiMassacre and the following unrest
- CBN Order Banks to Freeze Accounts of Protesters
- #OccupyLekkiTollGate 2021
- #EndSARS First Anniversary
- Key Events in 2022
- Key Events in 2023
- Key events in 2024
Call for Protest to #EndSARS
3rd October 2020
An online video showing an officer of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) shooting Ochuko in front of Westland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State.
Rinu made the call for protests to the Nigerian Police headquarters for a 3-day protest the following week.
4th October 2020
Omoyele Sowore announced a massive nationwide action for #EndSARS
Minister for State for Labour, Festus Keyamo SAN revealed Ochuko is alive and shared a picture of him in a hospital with a head wound.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu banned SARS and other tactical squads from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties – stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc
Vice President (VP), Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari wants to see a reform in the NPF.
Douglas Agu (Runtown) announced he will be leading an #EndSARS protest on Thursday, October 8th.
Mr Akin Alabi (Federal House of Representatives, Egbeda/Ona-Ara Constituency) moved a motion in the House of Representatives to dissolve SARS.
5th October 2020
SARS officers killed 20-year old upcoming musician Daniel Chibuike (Sleek) in Portharcourt.
Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley) announced that he will lead #EndSARS protest on Tuesday, October 6th.
6th October 2020
Naira Marley called off a planned protest due to safety of protesters . He said this during a live chat with Frank Mba, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force
Falz announced he will be part of the #EndSARS protest on Thursday, October 8th.
7th October 2020
Youths in Lagos State began a protest to call for the disbandment of SARS.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said that the House will draft new legislation to establish a system of accountability for the NPF.
8th October 2020
Nigerian celebrities, Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Falz, Tacha, and DJ Spinall among others, joined protests showing support for the call to #EndSARS.
Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni), Rinu Oduala and other Nigerian youths protesting the disbandment of SARS spent the night in front of the Lagos House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja.
9th October 2020
#EndSARS protesters at the Lagos House of Assembly submitted their petition to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.
FK Abudu, Sydney Talker and Nasty Black joined the #EndSARS protesters at Alausa.
#EndSARS protesters met with Lagos House of Assembly members and the Assembly members called on the federal government to scrap SARS.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the serial breaches of the fundamental rights of Nigerians by the officers of SARS.
Former VP, Atiku Abubakar condemned any use of force on #EndSARS protests across the nation.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said he has noted the protest against the brutality by SARS and agrees that such acts of brutality must stop.
The management of Flutterwave inc announced the opening of public funds aimed at catering for the medical bills of #EndSARS protesters.
President Buhari through his Twitter handle revealed he had ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to address Nigerians appealing for calm and patience.
John Boyega called for #EndSARS stands in solidarity with Nigerian protesters.
Feminist Coalition (FemCo) called for donations for the #EndSARS protest and requested those leading the protest to reach out for financial support.
10th October 2020
Jimoh Isiaka was killed when police opened fire to disperse protesters in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
Police shoot at #EndSARS protesters in Abuja.
Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy) joined the #EndSARS protest.
American rapper and Producer, Diddy donates to Burna Boy's new project for victims of police brutality in Nigeria.
Nigerians converged at Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada to join #EndSARS protest.
Dissolution of SARS
11th October 2020
- IGP, Mohammed Adamu announced the dissolution of SARS across all 36 states and FCT. Shortly after, #EndSARS protesters
were dispersed with water canons by the police in Abuja. - Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid), Dipo Awojide (Ogbeni Dipo) and others joined #EndSARS protest in London.
- Protesters made a list of 5 demands to be met by the federal government.
- The first major gathering of protesters along Lekki -Epe Expressway.
- German Footballer, Mesut Ozil, declared support for the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
- God is Good Motors declared support for #EndSARS.
- Piggyvest backs #EndSARS protest.
- Risevest stood in solidarity with relentless young Nigerians protesting against SARS brutality.
- #EndSARS protest held at Nigerian Embassy Ireland.
12th October 2020
- President Buhari addressed the #EndSARS protesters in his first televised speech.
- Police attacked #EndSARS protesters in Surulere, Lagos; killed Mr Iloamauzor and arrested some protesters.
- Nigerian singer, Adekunle Kosoko(Adekunle Gold) joined #EndSARS protest in Houston, United States.
- David Adeleke(Davido), Dapo Oyebanji(D'Banj), Segun Awosanya(Segalinks), and Korede Bello meet with the IGP of the Nigerian Police in Abuja.
- Amnesty International announced that the NPF has killed 10 persons since the protest began.
- The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesome Wike announced a ban on all forms of protest across the states.
- Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila called Lagos State Commissioner of Police; Zubairu Muazu and demanded the release of arrested #EndSARS protesters in Surulere.
- Hon. Demond Elliot secured the release of 5 arrested #EndSARS protesters detained at Area C Police Station, Surulere.
- Paystack donated NGN 1,000,000 to help pay the medical and legal expenses of protesters.
- Softcom donated NGN 1,000,000 to Feminist Coalition for #EndSARS.
- #EndSARS protest held at Kolner Dom, Cologne, Germany.
13th October 2020
- IGP announced the set-up of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).
- Feminist Coalition announced the deactivation of its bank account.
- Presidential Panel on Police Reform met and approved the 5 demands of #EndSARS protesters.
- Nigerian musician, Olubankole Wellington (Banky W) led #EndSARS protests at the Governor's House in Marina, Lagos.
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received protesters' demands (#5for5) at the protest grounds in
Alausa and presents them to President Buhari. - Youths in Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and Enugu joined the #EndSARS protest.
- The Lagos State Government set up an NGN 200 million fund for victims of police brutality in Lagos.
- Residents of Rivers State defiled Governor Wike’s directives and marched to Government House.
- Nigeria songwriters - Chinedu Okoli(Flavour), Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike(Phyno), and Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner(Zoro) joined the protest in Enugu.
- Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde declared full support for the #EndSARS protest and calls for an end to Police brutality.
- Plateau youths joined the protest.
- Youths in Enugu joined the protest.
- Youths in Oyo joined the protest.
- Youths in Rivers joined the protest.
14th October 2020
- Chairman of Flutterwaves; Tunde Lemo, denied directing suspension of the fintech form's payment platform.
- Feminist Coalition announced that it had raised the total sum of NGN 37, 355,649 in crowdfunding for the protest.
- Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey called for donations to support the #EndSARS protest.
15th October 2020
- Pastor E. A Adeboye declared support for the #EndSARS protest.
- The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced that all street demonstrations have been banned.
16th October 2020
- The Police Service Commission reportedly listed the names of 37 former members of disbanded SARS officers dismissed from service.
- Minister for Africa for the United Kingdom (UK) Government, James Duddridge MO, said the UK is monitoring the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.
- Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) announced that the 36 state governors and the FCT Minister will set up Judicial Panels of Inquiry that will adopt a public hearing model.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) announced that it has constituted members of an independent investigation panel into the activities of dissolved SARS.
17th October 2020
- The Nigerian Army announced the commencement of the nationwide exercise 'Crocodile Smile VI' from October 20 - 31, 2020.
- Thugs attacked #EndSARS protesters at Olaiya Junction of Osogbo, Osun State.
- Nigerians living in France meet at the Eiffel Tower TROCADERO to protest.
18th October 2020
- Feminist Coalition launched a helpline centre and an online radio platform named 'Soro Soke'
- Kaduna State youths joined the protest.
19th October 2020
- Lagos State Government inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to investigate cases of police brutality in the state.
- The Edo State government announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state.
- Police attacked #EndSARS protesters in Abuja.
- #EndSARS protest held in Nigerian Embassy France.
- Pro-SARS protesters held a press conference, warns #EndSARS protesters in Abuja.
LekkiMassacre
20th October 2020
- ld the committee to evacuate the protesters before nightfall as they were to be shot once it gets dark.
- Former US Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, called on the President Buhari administration and the Nigerian Army to stop the killings of young protesters.
- #EndSARS and pro-SARS protesters clash in Abuja.
- Lagos State Government announced the imposition of curfew at 11:49 am.
- At about 4 pm, the IGP ordered the immediate nationwide deployment of an anti-riot police unit, Police Mobile Force(PMP).
- The United States(US) embassy and consulate in Nigeria announced the shutting down of its consulate in Lagos for 2 days.
- LSG extend the enforcement If it's 24 hours curfew from 4 pm to 9 pm.
- At 6:45pm peaceful protesters were shot by Nigerian Army officers at Lekki toll gate holdout.
- At about 10 pm, Lagos State Government ordered an investigation into the Lekki toll gate shooting.
- Peaceful protesters were shot by Nigerian Army officers at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos.
21st October 2020
- Lagos State Government suspended all government activities and declared a lockdown for 72 hours.
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirms two people had died as a result of the Lekki shooting.
- The UK High Commission in Nigeria announced the shutdown of its VISA application centres in Nigeria for the next 48 hours.
- The Nigerian Army denied deploying soldiers to attack #EndSARS protesters.
- Chairman Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Adodo called on Nigerians to sustain and build peace in the ongoing #EndSARS protest.
22nd October 2020
- President Buhari addresses the country in a broadcast on the #EndSARS protests in which he was silent on the
shooting of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State.
23rd October 2020
- English model, actress, and businesswoman, Naomi Campbell lent her voice to share support and demand justice for Nigeria youth.
24th October 2020
- IGP ordered the immediate deployment of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the unrest.
- Nigerians In diaspora protest in Zurich, Paris, New Zealand, Berlin, Toronto, and Belgium.
- The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner announced that the Houston City Hall would be lit green and white in solidarity with the #EndSARS protest.
- Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola announced a 24 hours curfew in the state.
- Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare announced that President Buhari will address Nigerians on the Lekki toll gate shooting.
- Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma approved 2 billion Naira for youth empowerment.
25th October 2020
- Lewis Hamilton showed support for the #EndSARS protest.
- Lagos State Government announced the prosecution of 227 suspects allegedly involved in #EndSARS unrest.
- Martin Luther King III called on the federal government of Nigeria to guarantee the freedom of peaceful protest in Nigeria.
- Pope Francis called on the Catholic faithfuls to pray against violence in Nigeria.
- Governors of South-West states pledged support to their Lagos counterparts.
26th October 2020
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, stated that the President decided not to address the Lekki shooting until he has access to all facts.
- The Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola discovered a hidden camera at the Lekki Toll Gate.
- The Kwara State Government launched 500 million naira recovery funds for businesses whose properties were looted and vandalized.
- National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) fined AIT, Channels TV, and Arise News, claiming they used unverifiable video footage from social media during the #EndSARS protest.
27th October 2020
- Lagos State Judicial Panel on Police Brutality commenced and adjourned to November 30, 2020, due to petitioners not being available.
28th October 2020
- National Economic Council (NEC) launched a committee to meet the needs and demands of Nigerian Youth behind the #EndSARS protest.
- Oyo State launched a 500 million Naira fund for youth empowerment.
- Nigerian Army stated that its presence at the Lekki toll gate was requested by the Lagos State Government.
29th October 2020
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to compensate families of policemen killed during the #EndSARS protest.
- Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly apologized for calling #EndSARS protesters children.
31st October 2020
- Beyonce announced a call to donate and support for #EndSARS protest.
- Lagos State lift curfew.
- Active citizens organized the WeMOVE webinar to discuss the way forward after the protest.
1st November 2020
- Minister for Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed announced that the FGN has no plans to shut down social media.
2nd November 2020
- President Buhari called on youths to dialogue with the government.
- Northern Governors declared support for Buhari's administration's moves to regulate social media.
- Nigerian Police started training over 400 personnel as new Special Weapon and Tactics units(SWAT) at the Police Mobile College in Eggon, Nassarawa State.
3rd November 2020
- The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) stated that there is a possibility that the shooting in Lekki was done by hoodlums.
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) inaugurated an independent investigative panel on the allegation of human rights violation by SAR officials.
4th November 2020
- The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike announced that the curfew in Oyigbo will be reviewed to now commence from pm 7to p6m in a bid to recover over 15 rifles stolen from the burnt police station.
5th November 2020
- The International Commission Court (ICC) stated it will commence a preliminary examination on the Lekki toll gate.
CBN Freezed Accounts of Protesters
6th November 2020
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) got a court order to freeze 20 #EndSARS promoter's bank accounts. However, these accounts and more had been frozen by October 15, 2020, without a court order.
7th November 2020
- Lagos State suspended Judicial panel over the freezing of #EndSARS protester's accounts.
10th November 2020
- Mr. Kenechukwu Okeke filed a criminal complaint before a Chief magistrate court in Abuja against 50 '#EndSARS promoters'
12th November 2020
- The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu said he saw nothing wrong with freezing accounts ordered by CBN.
13th November 2020
- #EndSARS protesters dragged CBN to court over frozen bank accounts.
17th November 2020
- British Member of Parliament (MP) Chi Onwurah presented a parliamentary petition calling on the UK to condemn governments’ violations of the rights of #EndSARS protesters.
19th November 2020
- CNN published an investigative report on the Lekki massacre.
23rd November 2020
- UK parliament had a deliberation on the #EndSARS protest because of an e-petition signed by 220,330 people for the investigation into human rights abuses by the Nigerian government and security agencies on citizens.
3rd December 2020
- The legal department of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) filed a suit to stop the judicial panels. However, the IGP said it was not authorized by police leadership and the suit would be withdrawn.
Occupy Lekki TollGate
4th February 2021
- Lagos Judicial Panel approved the reopening of Lekki Tollgate.
8th February 2021
- Nigerian youths called for #OccupyLekkiTollgate protest to show their displeasure at the proposed reopening of the Lekki Toll Gate on Saturday, February 13 at 7 am.
10th February 2021
- Court ordered CBN to unfreeze 20 #EndSARS protesters bank accounts
11th February 2021
- The Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu did a joint press conference to warn against #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest.
- The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed warned protesters against #OccupyLekkiTollGate.
12th February 2021
- Rinu Oduala resigned as the youth representative on the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality.
- Lagos Police arrive at Lekki Toll Gate in a show of force.
13th February 2021
- Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni) and other protesters were arrested during the #OccupyLekkiTollgate.
- #DefendLagos Groups suspended protest and described, #OccupyLekkiTollGate organizers as money-grabbers.
- Youths protested the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry’s approval to reopen the Lekki Toll Gate and were met with a show of force by the Nigerian Police. Over 39 youths were arrested for protesting.
14th February 2021
- Mr Macaroni shared his experience of intimidation and torture by police officers when he was detained.
16th February 2021
- Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu to institute an investigation into the harassment of some protesters who were arrested during the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protests on Saturday, February 13, 2021.
#EndSARS First Anniversary
October 15, 2021
In a statement released by NEC stated that the FG should pay compensation to victims of the #EndSARS protests and prosecute those indicted.
October 20, 2021
Protests and vigils happened in Abuja, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Rivers States for the one year commemoration of the #LekkiMassacre. The protest was met with brutality, arrest and teargas.
October 20, 2021
Adedotun, an Uber driver, was brutally beaten, pepper-sprayed, and dragged into a Black Maria during the first #EndSARS memorial at the Lekki tollgate In Lagos.
Key Events in 2022
April 24, 2022
Igwe Odinaka and Chikere Obieche died from gunfire opened by a drunken Police officer during a birthday party in Gowon Estate, Lagos State.
September 14, 2022
The Abuja Judicial Panel awarded the sum of N289 million to 74 victims of Police brutality.
September 28, 2022
The Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations set up against SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police in Abuja submitted its report to the NHRC, which includes petitions from 29 states, and it indicted 72 police officers guilty of the allegations levelled against them.
October 20, 2022
2nd #EndSARS Memorial.
October 20, 2022
Amnesty International released a report that more than 40 #EndSARS protesters are still in jail.
Key Events in 2023
January 10, 2023
9 Protesters were released from Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, after 2 years.
May 24, 2023
A Bill seeking compensation for the victims (protesters and police officers killed, business entities that suffered loss and destruction of properties) of the 2020 #EndSARS protest passed the second reading by the Nigerian Senate.
July 19, 2023
A letter dated this day went viral indicating 'No objection' of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to the award of contract to Messrs TOS Funerals Limited at N61,285,000.
July 23, 2023
- The Lagos State Government responded to the leaked memo and said the bodies were the aftermath of #EndSARS violence and community clashes at Fagba, Ketu, Ikorodu, Orile, Ajegunle, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Ojota, Ekoro, Ogba, Isolo and Ajah areas of Lagos State. Claiming none of them was from Lekki Toll Gate.
July 27, 2023
EiE Nigeria wrote Freedom of Information requests to TOS Funerals and the Ministry of Health on the status of the bodies they allegedly got a contract from Lagos State to bury en masse.
October 19, 2023
EiE resent the Freedom of Information requests to TOS Funerals and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
October 20, 2023
#LekkiMassacre 3rd Anniversary
Key Events in 2024
October 27, 2023
EiE Nigeria launched a report following a review of the activities and recommendations put forth by the judicial panels and examining the implementation process in the 29 states and the FCT. Find the report here.
July 10, 2024
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) community court of justice has found the federal government of Nigeria guilty of human rights abuses in its response to the #EndSARS protest in October 2020.
The court ruled Wednesday that the Nigerian government’s actions, particularly its disproportionate use of force at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, breached several international human rights standards, including articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African charter on human and peoples’ rights.
The court mandated the Nigerian government to pay N2 million in compensation to each victim named in the suit.
August 6, 2024
A Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the Lagos State Government to ensure an investigation into the death of Mr. Pelumi Onifade, a 20-year reporter with Gboah TV, an online television channel, who was reportedly arrested by officers attached to a Lagos state task force while covering the #EndSARS protests in 2020, and was later found dead at a mortuary in Ikorodu in Lagos, where his body was deposited. The Court also ordered the State Government to conduct a coroner's inquest to ascertain the cause of the death of Mr. Onifade as well as identify and prosecute those responsible. The suit was filed by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA).