The United Kingdom Parliament on Monday, November 23, 2020 pledged its support for the imposition of sanctions against members of the Nigerian government over human rights violations.
The House of Commons’ Petitions Committee considered e-petition 554150, signed by over 220,000 UK residents relating to Nigeria.
The petition suggests the UK Government should consider using the Magnitsky sanctions regime to impose sanctions on those involved in any human rights abuse during the EndSARS protest in the nation.
The UK Parliament agreed that a generalised, old-style sanctions applied to Nigeria might cause hardship to ordinary citizens, but noted that targeted Magnitsky-type sanctions can be imposed on known individuals responsible for the human rights violations.
“I believe that the petitioners have a credible case for the imposition of individualised sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes,” said Member for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers.
Member for Edmonton, Kate Osamor, described these acts as undemocratic conduct that should be condemned.
“The UK should not be safe haven for anyone who denies their own citizens the same freedoms they have come to enjoy in the UK,” she said.
The event of October 20, 2020, has been denied by authorities. The army denied shooting at protesters while Lagos Governor, Gov. Jide Sanwo-Olu said only two protesters were killed.