A Nigerian comedian, Debo Adebayo popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has revealed how policemen told him and other arrested protesters that they would have killed them if Saturday’s demonstration took place at night.
Mr Macaroni was arrested alongside 39 other #OccupyLekkiTollGate protesters in the early hours of Saturday over their involvement in the protest.
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They were however, later granted bail on the sum of N100,000 each.
In a video shared on his Twitter page, he narrated how he and other arrested protesters were harassed by security operatives.
The 28-year-old said after their arrest, they were taken to Adeniyi axis of Lagos State where they were beaten and stripped naked.
He said: “If the word was not out that people were already being arrested, people would have died. They were telling us that ‘we’ll shoot you and nothing will happen. If it was night, all of una for don die.
“They took us to Adeniji where we were beaten and stripped naked. Everyone was beaten. These people don’t care about anyone. Them beat me, saying I’ll get sense by force. They also destroyed my phone.”
— Mr Macaroni (@mrmacaronii) February 14, 2021
The entertainer, however, said the ceaseless attacks on protesters by the government would not stop Nigerians from airing their grievances.
He added: “So, we’re in a serious shame but it’s not to silence our voices. They cannot continue to oppress. Those of us that have the voice will continue to talk.
“Have we gotten justice for want happened last year? Is opening the tollgate the next line of action?”
On rumours that he was given money by former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, Mr Macaroni said: “I don’t believe in curses. But for anyone saying l collect money from Atiku or whoever it is, that’s their business in the first place.
“Two, if l didn’t collect money from anybody, you’ll not make it for the rest of your life. Your children will suffer. I know some believe that.
“But those that know me understand that I have been speaking for myself and people around me right from secondary school days.”
