#EndSARS: Amnesty International, Others Condemn Assault on Yemi Adamolekun
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have strongly condemned the reported assault on Yemi Adamolekun, the Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, during the 2025 #EndSARS memorial event held in Lagos.
According to eyewitnesses, Yemi Adamolekun was allegedly harassed and manhandled by security personnel while attending the peaceful procession in remembrance of victims of the October 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shooting. The incident sparked outrage among Nigerians online, with many describing it as yet another reminder of the state’s disregard for citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
In a statement released shortly after the incident, Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the attack, calling it “an unacceptable violation of human rights.” The organisation demanded an immediate investigation and urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Other advocacy groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and BudgIT Foundation, also expressed solidarity with Adamolekun, emphasizing that peaceful activism should never be met with intimidation or violence.
The #EndSARS memorial, which has become an annual event to honour victims of police brutality in Nigeria, witnessed increased security presence this year. However, activists and observers have continued to accuse the government of trying to suppress civic voices and erase the memory of the #EndSARS movement, which began as a youth-led protest against police brutality and bad governance.
Yemi Adamolekun, known for her fearless activism, later reassured supporters that she was safe but called for renewed vigilance in defending citizens’ rights. “This is not about me alone,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that every Nigerian can speak up without fear.”
The incident has since reignited conversations on the state of human rights, freedom of expression, and civic space in Nigeria, with many urging authorities to respect democratic principles and protect activists from abuse.
