Five years after the historic #EndSARS protests shook Nigeria and captured global attention, top Nigerian celebrities are once again speaking out — remembering victims, demanding accountability, and reigniting the call for police reform.
The youth-led movement, which began in October 2020 to end police brutality by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), remains one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s modern history. And this year’s anniversary has once again dominated headlines and social media trends.
From heartfelt posts to public tributes, stars like Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Falz, and Mr Macaroni have joined the national reflection marking five years since #EndSARS.
Davido, who famously joined protesters in Abuja in 2020, shared on X: “Five years gone, and we’re still demanding justice. We won’t forget.”
Falz and Mr Macaroni, both known for their frontline activism, attended this year’s memorial walk in Lagos. Falz said in an interview, “EndSARS was never just a protest. It was a fight for dignity. We’ll keep speaking up until things change.”
Music superstar Burna Boy also paid tribute during a recent concert, featuring a visual montage honouring those who lost their lives at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
The Lekki Toll Gate shooting remains one of the most painful moments in Nigeria’s history. Peaceful protesters waving flags and chanting the national anthem were reportedly fired upon by security forces.
While the exact number of casualties is still disputed, the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry described the incident as a “massacre” and recommended compensation for victims’ families. However, five years later, many are still waiting for justice.
Across cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, candlelight vigils, marches, and online tributes have been held in honour of the fallen heroes.
Despite the government’s decision to disband SARS in 2020, reports of police brutality persist under other tactical units. Human rights groups and legal experts continue to pressure the government for full implementation of police reform and compensation for victims.
Celebrities like Tiwa Savage and Mr Macaroni say the fight isn’t over. “We can’t afford to forget,” Tiwa posted on Instagram. “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
On social media, the hashtags #EndSARS5YearsOn, #LekkiMassacre, and #EndSARSMemorial are trending as Nigerians at home and abroad share memories, photos, and documentaries.
Art exhibitions, fashion collections, and street murals dedicated to the movement have also kept its message alive — proving that #EndSARS is more than a protest, it’s a generational awakening.
Still, activists caution against “performative remembrance.” Without real justice, they warn, the annual ceremonies risk becoming symbolic rather than meaningful.
As Nigeria marks the fifth anniversary of #EndSARS, attention turns to key questions:
Will the government implement the remaining recommendations from the judicial panels?
Will victims’ families receive full compensation?
Will systemic police reform finally happen?
For many Nigerians, the memory of October 2020 remains both painful and powerful — a symbol of resistance and hope.
“They tried to silence us,” Falz said. “But five years on, our voices are louder than ever.”
