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Amnesty, FG Rekindle Bitter Fight Over Lekki Toll Gate Shooting
Amnesty International has accused the Federal Government of covering up those responsible for the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Alausa and Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State in October, 2020.
The NGO made this allegation in a statement issued 100 days after the Lekki Toll Gate shooting that resulted in the death of no fewer than 12 protesters.
Amnesty International said that instead of the government bringing suspected perpetrators of the Lekki shooting to justice they have subjected supporters of the protest to intimidation.
AI noted that the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters have cast a shadow over Nigerian society that lingers to this day.
The NGO highlighted that since the assault, authorities only targeted supporters of the protest noting that some protesters have had their bank accounts frozen.
In the statement, the AI’s Director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, demanded justice for victims of the shootings.
“Instead of bringing suspected perpetrators of #Lekki shooting to justice and prioritizing genuine police reforms, Nigerian authorities have been abusing their powers by subjecting those who supported the protests to intimidation, harassment and smear campaigns.
“The bloody events of October 20, 2020, when Nigerian security forces killed, at least, 12 people during the violent dispersal of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at Lekki and Alausa, have cast a shadow over Nigerian society that lingers to this day.
“Since the assault by security forces, which killed, at least, 12 people, Nigerian authorities have targeted supporters of the protests against police brutality by the disbanded SARS. Some of the movement’s supporters have had their bank accounts frozen.
“Nigerian government failed to bring to justice those suspected to be responsible for the brutal crackdown by security forces on peaceful #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate and Alausa in Lagos in October, 2020, and have brazenly attempted to cover up the violence.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to suspend accused officials, pending investigations, and to ensure that victims access justice and effective remedies.
But in a bitter reaction, the Federal Government said Amnesty International (AI) was becoming an irritant with disinformation and double standard, and would soon lose its respect and credibility.
The government said this position in response to the AI allegation of cover-up in the handling of the purported crackdown and killings of EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos in October, 2020.
In a release to mark 100 days of the Lekki Toll Gate incident, AI, a global movement on a campaign to end abuses of human rights, alleged that Nigerian authorities were covering up in bringing the perpetrators of the purported killings to book.
Speaking with newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, accused AI of disinformation and double standard.
Specifically, the minister said AI had no proof to justify its claim that 12 people were killed by the military at the Lekki Toll Gate.
“If Amnesty International has any proof, it should come out with it or shut up.
“They should take advantage of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry set up by Lagos State to tell the names and addresses of the 12 people they claim were shot at the toll gate,’’ he said.
The minister said AI had no respect for the Nigerian Judiciary by coming out with the report while the judicial panel of inquiry was still sitting on the case.
Mohammed also accused the global body of double standard in the handling of cases involving Nigeria and some other developing countries compared to some developed world.
He said the AI did not say one word when the American government arrested and are prosecuting those who invaded Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., aftermath of the U.S. Presidential elections.
“American government has vowed that they will search, arrest and prosecute anybody involved in the attack on Capitol Hill
“When Nigeria wanted to arrest and prosecute those hoodlums responsible for the killings of 37 policemen, six soldiers during the #EndSARS protest, Amnesty International will find fault.
“At the Lekki toll gate incident in Lagos, they described the hoodlums as peaceful protesters, while the people who invaded Capitol Hill in the US were called insurrectionists.
“When the U.S. Government denied the investigators from the International Criminal Court visa to enter the U.S., we did not hear a word from Amnesty International.
“They will soon lose their respect and credibility if they continue to operate this double standard,’’ he said.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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