Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been accused of physically assaulting two brothers and their mother on their way to the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Their offence was wearing the red beret associated with ‘RevolutionNow.’
The two brothers, identified as Innocent Gabriel and Gabriel Smart Victor, along with their mother, were reportedly molested and dehumanised by NSCDC personnel.
Victor told SaharaReporters on Monday that they were later detained at the NSCDC office in Zone 5, despite sustaining injuries from the attack.
“We were knocked down and beaten—all of us. I sustained injuries on my knee and palm, my brother on his knee and jaw, and my mother was bruised on her shoulder,” he said.
He explained that the officers accused them of wearing a “RevolutionNow” beret, which they claimed was an offence.
“Innocent and I wore the beret, and they said that was our offence. We were beaten. Our phones are now missing. Mine is a Samsung Galaxy A03; Innocent’s is a Tecno Pop 9 Pro. My bike was also badly damaged,” Victor added.
He further alleged that they were bleeding severely but were denied medical attention while in custody.
“Our mother was dehumanised and injured. Despite knowing she is an elderly woman, they beat and brutalised us in her presence. She was also assaulted,” he said.
The “RevolutionNow” movement, initiated by Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore, emerged as a significant force advocating for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Launched under the banner of the “Take It Back” (TIB) movement, Sowore’s presidential campaign in the 2019 general elections was a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.
In July 2019, Sowore’s Coalition for Revolution (CORE) announced a nationwide protest dubbed “RevolutionNow,” scheduled for August 5, 2019. The movement’s five core demands included: An economy that serves the masses, effective and democratic solutions to insecurity, an end to systemic corruption and comprehensive system change, immediate implementation of a ₦30,000 minimum wage and provision of free and quality education for all.
The planned protest aimed to address widespread concerns over governance, economic challenges, and human rights issues.
However, on August 3, 2019, Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges, including treason, following his call for a demonstration.
The “RevolutionNow” movement has since become emblematic of the struggle for democratic reforms and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. The red beret associated with the movement has come to symbolise resistance against perceived governmental oppression and a call for systemic change.
Source: Sahara Reporters