In a recent social media disclosure, Princess Banke Oniru has accused coordinators of the #EndSARS protest of improperly distributing millions of naira generated during the movement against police brutality in Nigeria. The protests, which gained global attention in late 2020, were sparked by widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings, extortion, and torture by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force. The movement culminated in the tragic events at Lekki Tollgate, where unarmed protesters were allegedly shot by security forces.
In her posts on X (formerly Twitter), Oniru claimed that, despite initially rejecting financial offers from the Lagos State Government, some protest coordinators eventually accepted and shared substantial funds. She indicated that these included payments of 1.5 million naira and 1 million naira, which she later distributed as giveaways to supporters. Oniru stated, “The #EndSARS coordinators shared millions of money severally,” providing details about collecting cash from prominent social commentator Sarah Ibrahim.
Oniru expressed her initial reluctance to accept government funds, fearing it would compromise the integrity of the movement. However, she later altered her stance when it became apparent that the funds could be used to benefit the victims of the protests.
In contrast, Sarah Ibrahim responded to Oniru’s claims, asserting that she did not accept the 100 million naira offer made by the Lagos State Government. Instead, Ibrahim mentioned that after consulting with her lawyers, she advocated for the funds to be directed toward supporting the families of victims and those injured during the protests.
In her detailed account, Ibrahim explained that she had repeatedly refused meetings with the government due to her anger over the Lekki incident. However, after discussing the situation with legal counsel, she eventually attended a meeting where officials proposed the financial offer. Despite the initial offer, Ibrahim maintained her position, stating, “I did not want anything to do with the money,” and insisted that any compensation should be handled transparently and through appropriate channels.
The allegations have raised further questions about the management and accountability of funds raised during the #EndSARS protests. Efforts for clarity from the Lagos State Government regarding these claims have yet to receive a response.
