The 2020 EndSARS protests will forever remain in the minds of many Nigerians, particularly those who lost property, family members, friends and means of livelihood during the rally. Nigerian youths staged nationwide protests to demand an end to police brutality and extortion.
One of the many questions begging for an answer after the EndSARS protest is that “who gave the shooting order at Lekki Tollgate“, which reportedly led to the death of many protesters on October 20, 2020.
The alleged shooting of the protesters inspired a song released by Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy. It also resulted in the setting up of panels by some state governments, particularly in the South-west region, to listen to the plight of victims of police brutality in their respective states.
While many Nigerians are still expressing disappointment over how some politicians allegedly hired hoodlums to disrupt the EndSARS protests, a Lawmaker has proposed a Jail term for protesters.
Things You Need To Know About The Proposed Jail Term For Protesters
1. A lawmaker, Emeka Chinedu Martins of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, representing Imo State in the House of Representatives, sponsored the Bill. He proposed a five-year jail term for unlawful protesters.
The Lawmaker said the Bill titled the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill, 2021 aims to preserve property and the Sanctity Of Human Life.
2.According to the Bill, which has scaled second reading, unlawful assembly is when three or more persons gather with intent to carry out some common purpose to cause persons in the neighbourhood to fear or disturb the peace of others.
Jail Term For Protesters
3.The Bill also states that any person who takes part in a riot is liable to imprisonment for three years. Meanwhile, any person who takes part in a mob action is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for five years.
4.The Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill, 2021 seeks to amend the Criminal Code Act Cap 38, Nigerian Law, 2004, to provide specifically for the crime of mob action, prescribe Punishment and for other related matters.
5.The explained that the amendment to the Act would encourage law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to go after persons involved in mob action and give the criminal justice system impetus to bring such offenders to book.
