For a while now, there has been stories here and there about the gross misconduct and cruelty carried out by the Nigeria Police's Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) against Nigerian youth. This week, the campaign took shape with the #EndSARS hashtag trending on social media. Here are a few gruesome stories and videos:
My brother was arrested some years back by SARS in his shop cuz he looks like one who smoke weed. He was detained for almost 2 years. Ever since then he has stpd living a normal life cuz the shock is still all over him #Endsars
— NEWMONTTOKEN (@NEWMONTTOKEN) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheViralTrendz/status/898109054282858496
Will never forget the day I was harassed by SARS just because I was carrying A.C (with receipt) I bought for myself as a student
My crime? I was too young to own a fucking air conditioner...I was a 2nd year student in higher institution #EndSars
— Arc. Gozie (@Aguiyi_II) December 3, 2017
SARS in Ado Ekiti grabbed my phone and said I must sign in to my facebook by force that why did I log out? See me see wahala, 10k was received to avoid delay, I had exams the following day #ENDSARS
— Alli Moshood (@bigmorsh) December 2, 2017
Every lawyer in Nigeria knows what a monster SARS are in the country. I have slept at a SARS detention centre before. Almost every detainee has a bullet wound and they take people out at night to kill
From the cell, u would hear screams when they are torturing suspects #EndSARS
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) December 6, 2017
On May 3rd 2016 SARS arrested my wife and I for having (Not drinking or drunk driving just carrying in the car ) locally distilled alcohol in the car.
They whooped me for asking what we did wrong and drove us round different watersides. Later took all the money we had. #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/LKmJOsQePK
— AMANi 🦄 (@Amani_Art) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/OvisTebrown_/status/937191290776715264
Me that one SARS officer threatened to shoot my leg because I didn't allow them access on my phone but they thought it was for my friend as I had 2 phones. If not for boys in the hood on this day, my story for different. #EndSARS
— Gbemi Spaghetti (@Gbems__) December 2, 2017
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It's really getting out of hands.. This one happened after they shot a guy in the arm on Thursday pic.twitter.com/z3wsKEn6Jv
— Quam (@Blazey_Oye) December 2, 2017
I can't #fabricate this, neither am I a journalist, but since we are woke, investigation don start!
Seeing what these #police are doing, I had to record this.
Picking people and collecting money from those that can bail themselves on the spot. #EndSars pic.twitter.com/4odgTcHUee
— #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria (@majeedcares) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/TrendsOfNigeria/status/937326345083908097
https://twitter.com/Kush_Oracle/status/937433313832206346
https://twitter.com/d_problemsolver/status/937723499187179520
https://twitter.com/femifactor/status/937723674114670592
Sars has declared an all out war against us.. They picked up a guy today and was telling him... Government dey follow us come street? #EndSARS
— Area51🥴🥴 (@Virus_pluto) December 5, 2017
Yomi Kazeem recalls his experience with Nigeria's SARS police unit. The #EndSARS campaign has gathered momentum since videos of alleged police brutality went viral. pic.twitter.com/dPynmyIlFQ
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) December 5, 2017
They started searching my pockets, took my phone, Tom tom(They licked it), and 5K.. They took me round the whole community searching for another fish.. Unfortunately the caught another innocent boy.. Two of us inside their van.. #EndSARS #EndSarsBrutality
— ayomide. (@lifebyayomide) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/owambeactivist/status/937778934552387584
SARS Killed my father, he was in their custody for 5Months, father was wrongly accused which they knew he was innocent but they tortured Alhaji like a criminal. They released him cos he fell sick, He gave up the next day😟😟 #EndSARSBrutality RIP Father
— Faj Adeola (@qwyntyymah) December 4, 2017
For more gory stories, read this thread and this.
End SARS!
https://twitter.com/iam_nappy365/status/938287879037612033
https://twitter.com/Anti_mhE/status/938301150448816128
SARS is a nuisance to the society, daylight robbers in official uniform, harassing the struggling youths.
THIS NONSENSE HAS TO STOP 🛑
RT if you are in support of the #EndSARS campaign.
— KOBZ (@AgbaKobz) December 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/DreyPR/status/936985985245736961
https://twitter.com/KingAbsolute_/status/938289327787962368
https://twitter.com/josh_cr7/status/937096153312694273
If you have no experience with SARS officials, you won’t understand this daily outcry. Once you have an iPhone, drive a car, have beards, YOU WILL PAY! #EndSARS now! 😡
— Series ‘Baj (@Engr_Series) December 2, 2017
Most unilag students are harassed by SARS cos "they look like Yahoo boys"
So a young guy can't wear shades and have beards while using an iPhone in peace again????
SARS are animals and need to be stopped!!
— CHO 👨🏽🦱 (@Chidubem_OH) December 2, 2017
Celebrities joined the movement too
What are you saying??? People are being beaten and killed and you’re saying dreams????!!!! #EndSARS then we’d face the remaining police force https://t.co/QV3jMBHpTl
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) December 3, 2017
Please how do we act on this #EndSARS issue cos twitter won’t be enough
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) December 3, 2017
🙏🏾🇳🇬 #EndSarsBrutality Nigeria we can do better 😔 https://t.co/mKteUeVMRT
— Olamidé (@Olamide) December 3, 2017
You can never be bigger Than the people #EndSARS
— PATORANKING (@patorankingfire) December 5, 2017
SARS / POLICE NEED TO BE CHECKED !
— REEKADO BANKS 🇳🇬 (@ReekadoBanks) December 2, 2017
How will you ask someone for the receipt to their cars, laptops, phones ???
Mr SARS official, Where’s your gun’s receipt ??— REEKADO BANKS 🇳🇬 (@ReekadoBanks) December 3, 2017
The entire police force needs some serious revamp. SARS are particular notorious for brutal attacks on innocent youth. The police is not our friend #EndSARS
— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) December 3, 2017
Out of anger and grieve I want #EndSARS but quite frankly that's not all we need.d name sars might b put to an end bt the pple wearing uniforms and confidently telling citizens I'll kill u and nothing will happen bothers me more..
— VJADAMS (@iamvjadams) December 4, 2017
#EndYomiShogunle
To make things worse, amidst the frenzy, Yomi Shogunle, Nigerian Police communications lead posted this insensitive tweet:
To all those having frightening dreams- “shot/beaten by police”. Pray to God not to allow it happen + avoid areas where police are responding to incidents in real life.
If such dreams persist, GO SEE A PSYCHIATRIST.We only deal with real life police complaints @PoliceNG_PCRRU.
— Abayomi Shogunle, 𝘧𝘴𝘪 (@YomiShogunle) November 30, 2017
Nigerians reacted:
#EndSARS should trend alongside another very important campaign.
Fire Yomi Shogunle. #FireYomi.
He has shown himself to be an incompetent PR agent, and a horrible human being.— Ijeoma (@Art_of_Achalugo) December 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/iredumare/status/937249083395395584
https://twitter.com/PRODEEGY/status/937240032951316480
https://twitter.com/PRODEEGY/status/936489293752782848
Yes, it is this serious
https://twitter.com/Mayoral_OP/status/938284521933373441
https://twitter.com/Naijadailyfeed/status/936678428354449409
And as expected
https://twitter.com/GreatGracious/status/937254579103784960
Osinbajo: The #EndSARS campaign is waxing stronger o.
Buhari: Don’t worry. Let’s introduce fuel scarcity to distract them pic.twitter.com/86rZjOnXzC
— Ibe (@maziibe_) December 6, 2017
Good morning to all my twitter people 🤗 except all the Nigerian police children here , you can go get yours from your parents 😒 ... #EndSARS
— Payper69 (@iam_payper) December 6, 2017
Damage control by the NPF
A training program will be organized by the NPF in collaboration with relevant stakeholders on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights & Handling, Care & Custody of Suspects, have been directed by the IGP for all SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect. #ReformSARS
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) December 4, 2017
Aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any SARS personnel anywhere in the country are to report through any of the following channels for investigation and further actions. #ReformSARS pic.twitter.com/R3uTinEDYb
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) December 4, 2017
Following the virality of the campaign on social media, SARS officials are reportedly stopping random youth and searching their phones for participation in some areas in Lagos. Find out more using #EndSARS. Moving on, here are other interesting stories on social media this week.
Are you happy? If not, there's a commissioner for that
On Tuesday this week, Rochas Okorocha, the Governor of Imo State, swore in Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, his sister as the Commissioner for Happiness and Couple's Fulfillment to address bitterness in the state.
The governor of Nigeria's Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, has appointed his sister as Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment.
Before her promotion Ogechi Ololo served as her brother's Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Adviser on Domestic Matters https://t.co/N9gGFLbYRX pic.twitter.com/ErBz9RCvIj— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) December 5, 2017
According to the governor, it is actually the "Ministry for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment" so the misinformation was due to a typographical error. Nigerians reacted on social media:
Rochas Okorocha, a man who has spent more money on statues than he has on living human beings has now appointed his biological sister as “Commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment”. What sin did Imo people commit to deserve this embarrassment as their Governor?
— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/UrbanCulture06/status/937933927796396033
What does the Commissioner for Happiness and Couple's fulfilment do?
I honestly don't know!!!
— Toolz O.D (@ToolzO) December 5, 2017
Look at the Imolites, very ungrateful set of human beings.
I appointed a Commissioner for Happiness & Couples’ Fulfillment so they all can be happy & married. pic.twitter.com/QbSAiDGfmb
— KOBZ (@AgbaKobz) December 5, 2017
Rochas Okorocha appointed his Sister Ogechi Ololo (nee Okorocha) as Commissioner for Happiness and Couples' Fulfillment? Forget about the nepotism, that is now a regular in both Federal and State governments, but what is commissioner for happiness? Imo una Governor no well at all pic.twitter.com/p0dHmp9Kt7
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí 🇳🇬 (@ogundamisi) December 5, 2017
Rochas Okorocha appointed his Sister Ogechi as Commissioner for Happiness and Couples' Fulfillment!
I have never heard of such commissioner in my life. Have you?
This democracy is a FRAUD! pic.twitter.com/zLkAID3So1
— Kemi (@d_problemsolver) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/ebuka_akara/status/938418955403907072
https://twitter.com/GreatGracious/status/937989024001687552
https://twitter.com/KobokoGCFR/status/937990290283089921
Please i want to trade my state of origin for yours.
Who wants to be from Imo State + i'd add 500K?— Eric Okafor (@KneWKeeD) December 6, 2017
Rochas Okorocha of Imo State appoints Mrs. Ogechi Ololo as the Commissioner for "Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment". If there was any doubt that Okorocha is a total misfit, he cleared it today.
— Nedu Ekeke (@Nedunaija) December 4, 2017
Don't distract us from #EndSARS
https://twitter.com/uthman_waxcav/status/938000197069737984
The rise of parody accounts
In a time were couple divorce is at an all time high, I will use my good office to ensure couples in Imo will be fulfilled and serve as an example to the world.
— RaggerMufin (@RaggerMufin) December 5, 2017
On a scale of 0-10, how happy are you this morning? #commissionerforhappiness
— COMMISSIONER FOR HAPPINESS (@ogeololo) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/RochasSister/status/938167910719283200
And then these...
Dont Let Rochas see this o. pic.twitter.com/wA1cwC3KeH
— Osi (@Osi_Suave) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/Tunnyking/status/938018099558830081
Meet the commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfillment in Imo state, Mrs. Ogechi Ololo (nee Okorocha).
Say something nice. pic.twitter.com/PkmP8ILg4J— Eric Okafor (@KneWKeeD) December 5, 2017
BREAKING NEWS!!
The newly sworn in Commissioner For Happiness in Imo State, Mrs Ogechi Ololo, has failed her first assignment as a commissioner, Ogechi could not make her elder brother, Rochas Okorocha smile, see evidence below.
Also on the news today, #EndSARS #ENDSARSNOW pic.twitter.com/B12tfs6MEl
— OONI OF ABUJA🔴 (@Deji_OoniAbj) December 5, 2017
The most plausable reason behind Gov. Rochas' recent behaviour
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/938330231718531072
If you're from Imo State, I'm sorry you have to deal with this.
Kiss Daniel VS G-Worldwide
This week, popular Nigerian musician, Kiss Daniel was sued to court by G-Worldwide Entertainment Limited, his former record label over breech of management contract. Read the full gist below:
G-Worldwide sue Kiss Daniel for breaching his 7 years contract with record label pic.twitter.com/nSx7g4V7Kq
— Kemi (@d_problemsolver) December 5, 2017
This is coming less than a month after Kiss Daniel left G-Worldwide to start his own record label; Flyboy Inc. His lawyers responded to the law suit:
https://twitter.com/iamkissdaniel/status/938122684734504960
G-Worldwide replied them with this:
https://twitter.com/iunlocklyrics/status/938353738112258048
Here are a few reactions on social media
Poor Kiss Daniel
Kiss Daniel is being sued for using the name "Kiss Daniel"?? pic.twitter.com/aCKhk9qK7t
— www.KRAKS.co (@KraksTV) December 5, 2017
I heard that G-Worldwide gets 80% of Kiss Daniel's earnings. Imagine an artiste like Kiss Daniel only pocketing 20% of what he makes. This is the most fucked up deal I've ever heard of.
— Podcast🎙Papi (@Okwuchiii) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/TytbonesCEO/status/938034024680960000
Fly high Flyboy
I knew G-Worldwide would look for a way to hold Kiss Daniel down... No shaking. He will overcome this and still shine. Dude is ridiculously good.
— ... (@_blaqsheep) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/Iam_Abdulaxis/status/938105911100526592
Let the blame game begin!
https://twitter.com/UrbanCulture06/status/938049798002937857
Kiss Daniel is letting hype from his 'Social Media fans' get to his head. Those telling him 'Well done. You are a winner. Finish Them'.
He'll learn
— Edmonton Harvey Specter (@oddy4real) December 6, 2017
Y’all gassed Kiss Daniel that he’s bigger than G-Worldwide Entertainment and he believed the hype
— Don Boye (@DonBoye_) December 5, 2017
Kiss Daniel can do better than G worldwide
Kiss Daniel needs to leave
Una don see am now abi
— Osi (@Osi_Suave) December 5, 2017
Be there blaming G-worldwide...How do you think Birdman and Diddy made their money? Diddy till today still makes money off Notorious B.I.G...Birdman also made so much money with Lil Wayne...Contract is Contract...Kiss Daniel is wrong here
— Sidney 🚀♨ (@sidramatics) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/younggatsbyy/status/938304829071425536
https://twitter.com/IsyNene/status/938095407393132545
Still cannot be distracted from #EndSARS
https://twitter.com/_Tweeteractive/status/938078936176758784
https://twitter.com/MrBouncer/status/938060553330847746
https://twitter.com/IrunmoleWeil/status/938053506514214912
This could hurt his career
Looking at this Kiss Daniel issue, as a label, G-Worldwide has all the time in the world, the artist, on the other hand, has a small window to shine... He should settle this amicable ASAP, except he wants to make his lawyer rich(er)...
— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) December 6, 2017
'G-Worldwide drags Kiss Daniel to Court'.
That could have bn avoided by Kiss Daniel. Now, his career may stall... He should ask Vector and Brymo
— Edmonton Harvey Specter (@oddy4real) December 5, 2017
'G-Worldwide drags Kiss Daniel to Court'.
That could have bn avoided by Kiss Daniel. Now, his career may stall... He should ask Vector and Brymo
— Edmonton Harvey Specter (@oddy4real) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/Bhadoosky/status/938051251291480064
https://twitter.com/OsasCruz/status/938050110784720896
New name suggestions for Kiss Daniel
https://twitter.com/Shawnife_/status/938113355608358912
Kiss Daniel should just change his name to "Kiss Daniels" and release a new album in Jan/feb.. he's gonna do just fine
— A banter (@kingtobbie) December 5, 2017
Now that he can’t use Kiss Daniel as his stage name, can they allow him to use Hug Daniel? pic.twitter.com/FNvlZA0GUf
— KOBZ (@AgbaKobz) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/Tunnyking/status/938064466712940544
Kiss Daniel should just dash G-Worldwide his name, and begin to answer "Chris Daniel".
Na almost the same pronunciation. pic.twitter.com/0px1H7vUzY— Gemedia (@Gemedia_) December 5, 2017
Smooch Daniel.
Peck Daniel.
French Dantana.
Kissy D.
Kiss Belteshazzar.
Kiss Lion.
Canoodle Meshach.
Flyboy KD.
Flyboy Kiss.
FKD.
Neck Meshach.Man Fuck G-Worldwide, Possibilities are endless https://t.co/ww7fGF5pH7
— tyson tomKo (@mhagayr) December 5, 2017
A lesson for up and coming artistes
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/938047329478873091
Read this case to appreciate the Kiss Daniel saga. Sunny Ade was collecting 15 kobo on every 6 Naira he earned for 5 years. The court still upheld the contract. Don’t sign contracts without your lawyer fam! pic.twitter.com/djyTJPQAAL
— Temitayo O. Esq (@Tbabz__) December 5, 2017
While we wait for the outcome of the lawsuit, which new stage name do you think Kiss Daniel should choose?
This year's edition of the annual Fuel Scarcity
If you live in any major city in Nigeria, then you must have experienced the tell-tale signs of fuel scarcity; long queues at filling stations, traffic jam, transport fare hike, to name a few. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration.
https://twitter.com/TheNnanna/status/938680472225316864
Did you know that Nigeria also has four “seasons” just like people in the abroad?
While they have summer, winter, autumn and fall, we gloriously have: Rainy season, Dry season, Harmattan and Fuel scarcity.
— Nonso (@Seriousist_) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/Zitu_Diary/status/938475562171060224
What is a December in Lagos without fuel scarcity like?
— Adebodun (@_Adebodun) December 5, 2017
#FuelScarcity is an annual festival in Nigeria.
— Femi Lee (@femscie) December 5, 2017
Fuel scarcity
Nigeria's perpetual Christmas bonus to its citizens.
— Chine(melum) Ezekwesili 🔻🔺🔻🐈⬛ (@ChineEzeks) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/Tshyka/status/937968567202603008
Is this supposed fuel scarcity a phantom scare or is it the real deal? Does anyone have any facts or information please?
— Kemi Adetiba (@kemiadetiba) December 5, 2017
I’m paying N145/Lt in an oil producing country and still dealing with fuel scarcity. Man fuck this country
— Aunty Teda (@imoteda) December 4, 2017
During the season of #FuelScarcity, you “pay” so much to get fuel that you end up WASTING in traffic caused by #FuelQueues. So sad!!!
— TpAj™️ (@TopeAjao) December 5, 2017
More reactions
#EndSARS continues regardless
Nothing will derail us from this trending topic, #EndSARS
Not even Fuel scarcity.
Not even Rochas Okorocha.
Not even Christmas (If our wish is not done by then)
Yes we mean business!I implore that we all truthfully continue sharing our experiences or those of our friends.
— Ayo FBI (@PureMinD__) December 5, 2017
Nothing is going to distract us, not Even fuel scarcity , this fight is a must win, I've been slapped one-too many times #EndSARS
— Adams (@official_X_) December 7, 2017
Dear Nigerians,
Don't be distracted, we must #EndSARS , they tried to distract us with the scarcity of fuel.
We will end SARS and return to our fuel,
And @MBuhari ,if you keep this fuel distraction, very soon, it is you we will stop from leading us, remember @atiku is waiting.— Donald (@RealDonaldDoo) December 6, 2017
#EndSARS campaign is still trending even with all the commissioner and fuel scarcity issues...
Nigerian Govt: pic.twitter.com/svclYrm0pg
— BrownVan (@ty_ivanny) December 7, 2017
Notice how fuel scarcity conveniently started when this #EndSARS movement started gaining momentum ... this country is a big joke !!!
— DESIGN GENIE (@kvngSpice) December 6, 2017
Winter is here
“This is winter period. There is always more demand for refined products from petroleum during winter in the colder countries. This is what we are experiencing now.” - Lai Mohammed https://t.co/El6RDaxrym
— Eromo Egbejule (@EromoEgbejule) December 7, 2017
Jon snow is the cause of fuel scarcity in Nigeria - Lai Mohammed
— Damorela (@damorela00) December 7, 2017
Lai Mohammed said fuel scarcity is caused by Winter 🙁🙁🤔🤔
— Tomide Akinribido (@MrTomide) December 7, 2017
"And that's how Lai Mohammed blamed the fuel scarcity on Winter" pic.twitter.com/nx69kPXT4L
— Edmonton Harvey Specter (@oddy4real) December 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/robbroyal/status/938820477212033024
Osinbajo: The #EndSARS campaign is waxing stronger o.
Buhari: Don’t worry. Let’s introduce fuel scarcity to distract them pic.twitter.com/86rZjOnXzC
— Ibe (@maziibe_) December 6, 2017
Shame on the present administration
When Petrol was increased to N145/litre by the Buhari admin, we were told that;
(1) Importation of fuel will STOP
(2) There will be no more fuel scarcityOver 2years down the line, there is still importation and scarcity is here!
Don't fall for there scam in 2019!
— Miz Cazorla (@MizCazorla1) December 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/femiTRIP/status/938493151722995712
When there was fuel scarcity during Jonathan, the northerners blame Jonathan and southerners blame sabotage, and the opposite is the case today. Nigeria of ETHNICITY AND RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY
— Abubakar M Kareto (@amkareto) December 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/Baddman20/status/938666088501571584
https://twitter.com/AndyMadaki/status/937972732616167424
Someone took their time to explain the cause of the fuel scarcity, read the thread here.
Featured image credit: AMISOM Public Information Flickr via Compfight cc
