Daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have also thrown their weights to the growing #EndSARS campaign.
Zahra Buhari-Indimi posted a clenched fist on her Instagram status with the #EndPoliceBrutality hashtag.
Osinbajo’s daughter, Kiki Osinbajo, posted the same photo on Instagram with the caption: “Police Brutality Must End Now… #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARS.”
Soon, other high-profile celebrities joined. Musicians: Tiwa Savage, WurlD and Paul Okoye, media personality Toke Makinwa, popular disc jockey DJ Spinall and former Big Brother Naija stars Anto Lecky and Nelson Enwerem Prince.
The likes of Olamide, Falz, Ycee, Seyi Law, Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold all joined the online campaign at the time. Activist like Aisha Yusufu and others were at the forefront too.
The protests have begun to attract the attention of the international community especially celebrities. It is aimed at forcing the Nigerian government to abolish or reform SARS, a police unit accused of extensive abuse and extortion.
British-Nigerian actor, John Boyega, lent his voice to the ongoing protests in a series of tweets. The award-winning actor, who is known for his strong stance against human right abuses and racism, called for good leadership and guidance for Nigerian youths.
“The youth in Nigeria deserve good leadership and guidance. This situation is tied to many other issues. Please lend your attention to this pressing problem,” his tweet read. Some International celebrities which include Trey Songz, Big Sean, Chance The Rapper, Estelle, Nasty C have also lent their voices to the raging protests.
However President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday announced that he has instructed the inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu, to “conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians” about police brutality.