Sowore Demands Arrests Over Lekki Toll Gate Shootings Six Years After #EndSARS

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, questioning why justice has remained elusive six years later.

Sowore made the demand in a post on X on Tuesday, October 20, marking the sixth anniversary of the nationwide protests against police brutality and misconduct.

“Where are the killers? Who ordered the shootings at LekkiTollGate? Who has been prosecuted?” he wrote, raising questions about accountability for the incident.

The activist also called for investigations into the roles of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, military and police commanders, and other individuals he alleged were connected to the events at the toll gate. His call does not, on its own, establish the culpability of any of the people named.

Sowore further urged authorities to investigate allegations that the toll gate’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera was removed before the shootings. He questioned whether the circumstances surrounding the camera and the events that followed had been fully examined.

Reflecting on the wider movement, Sowore said the #EndSARS protests represented more than a demand to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). He described the demonstrations as a broader rejection of police brutality, torture, extortion and extrajudicial killings.

The AAC presidential candidate also made a pledge ahead of the 2027 general election. He said that, if elected president, his administration would reopen investigations into the Lekki Toll Gate incident, establish the chain of command and prosecute anyone found responsible, regardless of rank or political influence.

The anniversary has renewed attention on demands for accountability over the 2020 incident. Sowore’s latest statement places the question of justice for victims and their families back in the spotlight, while calling for further investigation into who ordered the operation and whether anyone should face prosecution.