#EndSARS: NBA Group Demands Arrest, Trial Of Lagos Governor’s Suspended Aide Over Execution Claims

The Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Wale Ajetunmobi, the recently suspended media aide to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over statements suggesting that #EndSARS protesters were extrajudicially killed.

Ajetunmobi’s suspension was announced by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, following controversial posts on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account. In the now-deleted post, Ajetunmobi claimed that those involved in burning TVC during the 2020 protests had been “hunted down and executed.” He also alleged that a young boy from Ketu was found with an AK-47 and killed during the crackdown.

In a statement signed by Ayodele Ademiluyi, Esq., RAMINBA called for Ajetunmobi’s arrest within 24 hours, warning that failure to act would compel the group to seek legal action.

“We expressly call on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Police Command to arrest and arraign Wale Ajetunmobi within 24 hours,” the statement read. “If they fail to act, we will approach the court for appropriate orders to compel action.”

RAMINBA, which served as counsel for the #EndSARS protesters at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, argued that suspending Ajetunmobi was inadequate given the Lagos State Government’s culpability as highlighted by the panel. They emphasized that the allegations of extrajudicial killings required thorough investigation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in the suspension announcement, reaffirmed his administration’s stance against extrajudicial actions, stating, “The Lagos State Government rejects any form of extrajudicial punishment.”

However, RAMINBA criticized this response, stating, “Considering the insider role Ajetunmobi played, his claims about executions during the #EndSARS protests must be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth.”

The group reiterated its call for justice, stating that Ajetunmobi’s comments had serious implications given the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for the events of October 20, 2020, when soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate.

RAMINBA urged the Lagos State Government to demonstrate its commitment to justice by ensuring that Ajetunmobi faces appropriate legal consequences.