The Nation

EiE engages stakeholders, CSOs on ways to end police brutality

September 27, 2023 6:37 pm

File photo of a police officer

Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a civil society organisation, says the September edition of “Thursday Talks” will examine the efforts made by the government to address police brutality in the country.

The Thursday talks is a monthly online conversation that engages citizens and stakeholders on issues affecting Nigerians and the country.

The conversation is hosted by EiE Nigeria in partnership with BudgIT and TheCable.

In October 2020, Nigerians in parts of the country took to the streets to protest against police brutality perpetrated by personnel of the defunct special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the police force.

The protest led to the disbandment of the SARS unit by Adamu Mohammed, the then inspector general of police (IGP).

In a statement on Wednesday, EiE Nigeria said this month’s dialogue would highlight issues thrown up by the #ENDSARS movement, including the progress made in the fight against police brutality.

“In the wake of the #EndSARS movement, Nigeria has witnessed a renewed commitment to addressing the deeply entrenched issue of police brutality,” the statement reads.

“Citizens, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government bodies have all played roles in pushing for and implementing the reform.

“However, as we move towards the anniversary of this pivotal movement, it is essential to critically assess the progress made and acknowledge the road ahead.

“This month’s Thursday Talks conversation aims to provide a platform for a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, CSOs, and the police, to engage in a candid and constructive dialogue about the ongoing efforts to address police brutality in Nigeria.”

This month’s conversation will be moderated by Deborah Kolawole, a journalist with Punch Newspaper, while Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, will be the speaker.

Other speakers include Nelson Olanipekun, team lead, Gavel Nigeria and Obianuju Iloanya, social justice advocate and development specialist at Habiba Dangana Foundation.