The Lagos State Police Command has announced the release of demonstrators arrested during the #EndSARS memorial at Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, all detained protesters have been freed, with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, personally overseeing the process at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

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In a post on his X handle, Hundeyin confirmed, “All protesters in our custody have been released. CP Olanrewaju Ishola was on the ground at the SCID to personally ensure this.”

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, also verified the release, stating that all 22 individuals detained during the memorial procession were freed, and their seized belongings were returned.

“We have secured the release of all the 22 activists who were arrested this morning at the Lekki Toll Gate while commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Lekki massacre,” Effiong wrote on X.

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He added, “We had a discussion with the Commissioner of Police who came over to the State CID in respect of the matter. The items seized from the protesters were also returned to them.”

The demonstrators had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to mark the fourth anniversary of the October 20, 2020 shooting, where peaceful protesters were killed during the #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.

They arrived around 8:30 am, holding banners and placards, demanding the implementation of the reports submitted by judicial panels set up after the 2020 protests.

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The police, however, claimed that the protesters had not sought clearance or permission for the gathering, labeling it illegal. Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola explained, “Constitutionally, they should write to me as the Commissioner of Police of their intention to do so. They did not, and as such, any such gathering is illegal.”

Despite the release, the demonstrators accused the police of brutality during their arrest.

In a video posted on X by Inibehe Effiong, one protester described being beaten and placed in a police Black Maria.

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“We are asking today when it has become illegal to protest in this country,” the protester questioned.

Amnesty International condemned the police’s actions, stating, “Amnesty International condemns the Nigeria police for the violent attack on people who assembled at Lekki Toll Gate to honour peaceful protesters killed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020. The reckless use of tear gas and arrests are unacceptable.”

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The incident has drawn attention to ongoing tensions surrounding the #EndSARS movement, with protesters continuing to demand justice and accountability four years after the tragic Lekki Toll Gate shooting.

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Several individuals were killed on Sunday in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a violent clash between rival cult groups.

The incident took place at Oye Nwochichi market near Nibo old maternity.

According to a viral video on social media, the attackers arrived in a brown Lexus 300 Jeep and carried out the assault before fleeing to Eke Nibo Market, where they struck again, leading to additional casualties.

While the exact number of fatalities has not been confirmed, a local source indicated that at least 10 bodies have been recovered.

The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack, attributing it to a violent clash between rival cult groups.

He noted that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, had immediately deployed additional officers to the area to restore order and apprehend the culprits.

“The Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash that occurred on 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LGA. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has mandated the deployment of additional personnel to the area for prompt intervention,” Tochukwu said.

He further called on witnesses to provide any information that could assist in identifying the attackers, assuring the public that all information would be treated confidentially.

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“Preliminary reports are still emerging, and we urge witnesses of this incident to share any information that may help identify the perpetrators for possible arrest. Rest assured, all information provided will be treated with the highest confidentiality. You can reach the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at 08039334002.

“Further updates will be communicated as they become available.” he said.

In the early hours of Friday, suspected terrorists launched a brutal assault on Dan Auta village in the Sabuwa local government area of Katsina State.

The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m., resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), and the abduction of 13 others, comprising women and children.

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Among those kidnapped was Alhaji Imamu, the chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived in large numbers, riding motorcycles and armed with automatic weapons.

Despite the efforts of the KSCWC and local vigilante groups to fend off the assailants, they were significantly outnumbered.

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One KSCWC operative lost his life while courageously attempting to defend the community, and a second victim was shot after resisting the kidnappers.

Several residents sustained injuries during the attack, with some requiring treatment at the local primary healthcare center.

In a proactive response to the two-day sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) launched a show of force operation in Aba and its surrounding areas on Saturday.

The operation involved teams from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and other police units under the Aba Area Command.

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The officers assembled at the command headquarters before departing in a convoy to execute the show of force exercise.

Sources indicate that this initiative was likely connected to the IPOB’s warning to residents and visitors in the Southeast to refrain from engaging in business activities on Monday and Tuesday.

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DAILY GAZETTE correspondent reports that the police team patrolled various strategic locations, including known hotspots within the commercial city.

This exercise was part of a routine confidence patrol aimed at reassuring the people of Aba regarding their safety amidst social media threats from IPOB.

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The operation concluded at approximately 12 noon back at the Aba Area Command, with authorities emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region.