Key Points
- Lai Mohammed says the toll gate massacre claim is false. He insists no family reported a missing child to authorities.
- He says international reports used second-hand information and errors. He singles out CNN over its coverage and sources.
- The minister asks for direct family testimonies to confirm claims. He notes no relatives came forward in five years.
Former information minister Lai Mohammed rejects claims of a massacre at the Lekki toll gate. He spoke in a recent interview with Arise TV and called the reports fake. He said many deaths happened in other places during EndSARS.
Mohammed told the TV host that CNN relied on second-hand accounts. He argued those reporters were not at the toll gate at the time. He warned against accepting unverified reports from outside sources.
The minister also questioned the absence of grieving families at the gate. He said no family came to say their child did not return. He used this point to challenge some public narratives.
Mohammed’s comments follow years of public debate about what happened. Protesters and witnesses have long reported gunfire at the scene. The case remains a point of deep public dispute.
A recent memorial at the toll gate drew attention and police presence. The memorial saw attempts to lay flowers and solemn tributes. For context see the report on the Lekki tribute.
Lekki toll gate flower tribute
The EndSARS protests began as anger over police br¥tality and SARS units. Demonstrations spread across Lagos, Abuja and other cities across Nigeria. Protesters demanded swift reforms and clear answers.
Witnesses and activists have given differing accounts of that night. Some witnesses said soldiers fired live rounds at protesters. Other reports argued the events were mixed and chaotic.
A government review and some independent reports later added fresh details. Some panels found evidence that suggested army involvement in shootings. Other officials rejected those findings and pushed back.
Mohammed criticised international outlets for reporting without full evidence. He said some reports used hearsay and social media fragments. He urged careful reporting on sensitive national matters.
Many families, activists and lawyers still seek clear answers and redress. They want open inquiries and verified records of casualties and arrests. They ask for clear info on missing persons and those injured.
The Lagos inquiry panel published findings in 2021 that drew global attention. The report listed casualties and described a pattern of events. Those findings remain central to later debates and court cases.
Some civil society groups and rights lawyers disagree with the minister’s view. They point to testimonies, videos and hospital records supporting deaths. They continue to press for full disclosure and legal steps.
Mohammed framed his remarks around the need for direct family testimony. He said no family reported a child missing since that night. He used this to question the scale of claims about the toll gate.
Public reaction to his interview varied across social media and newsrooms. Critics called for respectful handling of survivor accounts and memorials. Supporters praised his pushback against what they call inaccurate reports.
Legal teams, campaigners and families continue to seek clarity from courts. Some court actions remain active and have produced new evidence. Others seek accountability and public clarity on state actions.
The debate over the Lekki toll gate remains a sensitive national issue. Many Nigerians still want independent records and full disclosure. The conversation shows deep national wounds that need healing.
A recent ValidUpdates report covered court news tied to EndSARS events. That story shows how courts continue to hear cases linked to the protests. For further reading see the court report. Court finds Nnamdi Kanu guilty over EndSARS violence
As the nation marks the years since the protests, calls for clear answers continue. Families, lawyers and rights groups press for full records and public hearings. The public debate is likely to continue in courts and media.
