NBA condemns shooting of #EndSARS protesters, demands immediate release of identity of killer soldiers

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the shooting of live bullets at #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday night which killed one person and injured several others.

The NBA President, Olumide Akpata, in a statement issued on Tuesday night faulted the incident and demanded the immediately release the identity of soldiers that carried out the shooting of protesters at Lekki toll gate.

“The Military High command is hereby requested to immediately identify and name the officers involved in this gross professional misconduct for immediate prosecution and dismissal in line with extant laws,” Akpata said.

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“The NBA shall immediately commence legal proceedings at all relevant fora– both locally and internationally – against the Nigerian Military and other relevant authorities, on behalf of the families of the victims, for abuse of power, disregard of rules of engagement and the infringement of the fundamental rights (including the right to life) of the affected citizens.”

Akpata pointed out that even if the protesters were in breach of the Lagos government’s curfew, such a misdemeanour did not warrant the use of live ammunition by the military.

“The NBA believes that the current situation in the country calls for dynamic leadership and, as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, invites the President of Nigeria and others in authority to show uncommon leadership in saving the situation, instead of deploying troops against defenceless citizens whom they swore an oath to protect,” the NBA president said.

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