WARDC calls for investigation over assault on Yemi Adamolekun

By Diana Omueza

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has called for investigation into the alleged assault by Lagos State Man O’ War volunteers on Ms Yemi Adamolekun, EiE Nigeria’s Executive Director.

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of WARDC, a centre which represented over 300 women groups, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Akiyode-Afolabi said that the assault with video evidence circulating online was allegedly carried out under the instruction of officers of the Nigeria Police Force during the #EndSARS memorial

She petitioned Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu through his Chief of Staff, calling for a public thorough investigation and a public apology to Adamolekun.

“We write to express our deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the assault on Ms Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, by individuals identified as Man O’War volunteers.

“According to verified video evidence, Adamolekun was accosted and manhandled while laying a wreath to commemorate victims of the #EndSARS massacre.

“This incident occurred during a peaceful remembrance ceremony, an act that should have been protected under our democratic guarantees of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and human dignity, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“We find it particularly troubling that this aggression was carried out under official supervision,” she said

Akiyode-Afolabi described the incident as an abuse of power and disregard for the rights of citizens.

This, she said, does not only undermine the credibility of law enforcement agencies but also tarnishes the human rights record of the Lagos State and Federal Governments.

According to her, this behavior is inconsistent with democratic values and projects the administration as intolerant of civic participation and devoid of empathy for the citizens it serves.

She demanded on behalf of over 300 Nigerian women groups a public apology from the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Police Command, and Man O’ War Nigeria to Adamolekun and to Nigerians.

Akiyode-Afolabi also called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the conduct of the officers and volunteers involved, with appropriate disciplinary measures taken.

She said this is the only way to show that the state governments and the police’s clear commitment to protect the right of citizens to peacefully mourn, commemorate, and express themselves without intimidation.

She urged the state government to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness it deserves in order to restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and human rights.

Akiyode-Afolabi also called for the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the State Commander of Man O’ War Lagos, to ensure accountability and justice in the case.