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Politics
Onanuga Says Soldiers Did Not Kill Anyone During #EndSARS, Tells Obi to Stop ‘Lies’
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has accused former Anambra State governor Peter Obi of spreading falsehoods over the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, insisting that soldiers did not kill anyone at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Onanuga made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while responding to Obi’s message commemorating the sixth anniversary of the protests against police brutality.
Obi had called for justice for victims of the protests, recalling that peaceful demonstrators were met with gunfire on the night of October 20, 2020, leaving people dead and others injured. He also urged Nigerians not to forget the incident or normalise injustice.
Reacting, Onanuga described Obi as “certainly incurable when it comes to regurgitating lies.” He claimed that footage from the scene showed soldiers firing into the air rather than directly at protesters. He also alleged that demonstrators had been used to advance an agenda aimed at destabilising Lagos State.
The incident remains disputed in public debate. The Nigerian Army initially denied that its personnel were present at the Lekki Toll Gate but later acknowledged their deployment, maintaining that soldiers fired into the air. However, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, established after the protests, found that soldiers used excessive force against protesters and recommended disciplinary action against those involved.
The #EndSARS protests began as a nationwide campaign against police brutality, particularly abuses attributed to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The events at Lekki Toll Gate became a major focus of demands for accountability, with calls for justice for victims and greater transparency over the conduct of security forces.
Onanuga’s comments have renewed debate over the events of October 20, 2020, and the responsibility of security agencies. Obi has continued to call for justice and accountability for those affected by the protests.
Onanuga made the remarks in a post on X on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, while responding to Obi’s message commemorating the sixth anniversary of the protests against police brutality.
Obi had called for justice for victims of the protests, recalling that peaceful demonstrators were met with gunfire on the night of October 20, 2020, leaving people dead and others injured. He also urged Nigerians not to forget the incident or normalise injustice.
Reacting, Onanuga described Obi as “certainly incurable when it comes to regurgitating lies.” He claimed that footage from the scene showed soldiers firing into the air rather than directly at protesters. He also alleged that demonstrators had been used to advance an agenda aimed at destabilising Lagos State.
The incident remains disputed in public debate. The Nigerian Army initially denied that its personnel were present at the Lekki Toll Gate but later acknowledged their deployment, maintaining that soldiers fired into the air. However, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, established after the protests, found that soldiers used excessive force against protesters and recommended disciplinary action against those involved.
The #EndSARS protests began as a nationwide campaign against police brutality, particularly abuses attributed to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The events at Lekki Toll Gate became a major focus of demands for accountability, with calls for justice for victims and greater transparency over the conduct of security forces.
Onanuga’s comments have renewed debate over the events of October 20, 2020, and the responsibility of security agencies. Obi has continued to call for justice and accountability for those affected by the protests.
Reporter: Sheba James Gala
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