Human rights violations Police brutality State repression Extrajudicial killings Torture Unlawful detention Special Anti Robbery Squad Governance failure Accountability Institutional corruption Militarization of civilian spaces Civil society response

This study examines human rights violations in Nigeria through a focused analysis of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting during the #EndSARS movement. The incident, which occurred on October 20, 2020, has become emblematic of state-led repression and the persistent challenges facing human rights protection in the country. Drawing on reports from organizations such as Amnesty International, this research situates the Lekki events within a broader pattern of abuses linked to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and unlawful detention.

The study explores the roles of the Nigerian government, security agencies, and military forces in the escalation of violence against peaceful protesters, highlighting systemic failures in accountability and governance. It further evaluates Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, emphasizing the gap between formal commitments and actual practices.

In addition, the research analyzes the response of civil society, media, and the international community, assessing their roles in documenting abuses and advocating for justice. The Lekki incident is thus examined not only as an isolated event but as a reflection of entrenched governance issues, including corruption, militarization of civilian spaces, and institutional impunity. Ultimately, this study argues that the Lekki Massacre underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure accountability, strengthen democratic institutions, and safeguard the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.