Princess Banke Oniru has alleged that some coordinators of the #EndSARS protest received and distributed substantial funds from the Lagos State Government during the movement against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
This claim comes as the protest’s financial management has faced scrutiny since the protests erupted in late 2020.
The #EndSARS protests drew global attention as Nigerians took to the streets to demand the disbandment of SARS, which was accused of extrajudicial killings, extortion, and torture.
The protests culminated in a tragic event at Lekki Tollgate, where unarmed demonstrators were reportedly shot by security forces.
Oniru’s accusations have stirred controversy, particularly concerning the handling of funds raised for the movement.
She stated that while initial offers of financial support from the Lagos State Government were rejected, later funds were allegedly accepted and shared among coordinators.
Oniru claimed she initially declined the funds but later instructed her assistant to collect money from social commentator Sarah Ibrahim, which she then distributed as giveaways.
In her tweets, Oniru detailed how funds amounting to millions were shared, including instances where she directed her assistant to photograph the cash received for transparency. She emphasized that the late lawyer Adeshina Ademola Ogunlana was the only legal figure who genuinely supported the protest efforts. However, Ibrahim has refuted Oniru’s claims, accusing her of misrepresenting the situation.
She stated that while the Lagos State Government did reach out with an offer of 100 million naira, she did not accept it. After consultations with her legal advisors, Ibrahim proposed that any funds should instead be used to support victims of the Lekki Tollgate incident. Ibrahim explained that although she initially refused the government’s offer, she felt compelled to reconsider after receiving calls from victims’ families.
Ultimately, she insisted that the government provide compensation directly to those affected, rather than distributing cash through informal channels.
As this situation unfolds, questions remain regarding the transparency and accountability of those who led the #EndSARS protests. The Lagos State Government has yet to comment on these allegations.