A coalition of over 40 citizens and civic groups has written a strong letter of protest to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, condemning what they describe as the “assault and harassment” of Ms. Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, by Man O’ War volunteers allegedly acting under police orders during the #EndSARS memorial at Lekki Toll Gate.
In the letter dated 27 October 2025, the signatories—including Amnesty International Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, SERAP, CISLAC, Media Rights Agenda, FixPolitics Initiative, and Accountability Lab Nigeria—accused security operatives of violating Adamolekun’s constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression while she laid a wreath in remembrance of the victims of the October 2020 Lekki shootings.
“According to verified video evidence,” the groups wrote, “Ms Adamolekun was accosted and manhandled while laying a wreath at the Lekki Toll Gate… This incident occurred during a peaceful remembrance ceremony — an act that should have been protected under our democratic guarantees of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and human dignity.”
They described the incident as “particularly troubling” because the attack appeared to have taken place “under official supervision,” warning that such abuse of power “undermines the credibility of law enforcement agencies” and projects government as intolerant of civic participation.
Three Demands
The letter called for:
- A public apology from the Lagos State Government, the Lagos Police Command, and Man O’ War Nigeria to Adamolekun and the Nigerian public.
- An immediate and transparent investigation into the conduct of the officers and volunteers involved, with disciplinary measures applied.
- A clear commitment from the Lagos State Government and Police to protect citizens’ rights to mourn and commemorate peacefully without intimidation.
Signatories
Among the notable individual signatories are Professor Remi Sonaiya, Hon. Frank Nweke II, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Edetaen Ojo, Adeola Azeez, and Dr. Omolola Oluwadara, alongside 36 other concerned citizens. The petition was copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector General of Police, National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, and other senior law enforcement officials.
Background
Ms. Adamolekun, a prominent civic advocate, has been a leading voice in Nigeria’s democracy and governance reform space. The Enough is Enough Nigeria movement has championed citizen participation, voter awareness, and government accountability since its founding in 2010.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of how Lagos authorities handle civic gatherings at the Lekki Toll Gate, a site that has become symbolic of the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government and Police Command had yet to issue a public statement in response to the protest letter
