Mr. Macaroni Opens Up About Police Brutality During #OccupyLekkiTollGate Protest
- Home
- Mr. Macaroni Opens Up About Police Brutality During #OccupyLekkiTollGate Protest
Mr. Macaroni Opens Up About Police Brutality During #OccupyLekkiTollGate Protest
In a candid episode of #WithChude, renowned actor and content creator Debo Adebowale, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, shared his traumatic experience with the Lagos police during the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest in 2021.
The protest, which aimed to demand accountability and reform in the wake of police brutality in Nigeria, became a defining moment in the country’s ongoing struggle for social justice.
Arrested and Mistreated
Mr. Macaroni revealed that he was arrested under the guise of violating COVID-19 protocols while participating in the protest. He recounted the harrowing treatment he endured at the hands of police officers, describing a scene of humiliation and violence. “I was stripped naked and molested by police officers who seemed to revel in my suffering,” he said, expressing the deep emotional impact of this brutal encounter.
Transformation from Fear to Fearlessness
Despite the trauma he faced, the experience catalyzed a profound change in Mr. Macaroni’s perspective. He reflected on how the ordeal stripped away his fear of authority. “After that experience, all the fear in me disappeared. I wondered how that happened. Before that moment, I used to be afraid,” he explained. The actor had previously harbored concerns about police violence, feeling vulnerable to the potential dangers posed by law enforcement.
However, witnessing the anger and hatred in the officers’ eyes during his treatment transformed his outlook. “They did all they could, and I am sure if I hadn’t been released, they could have done more. At that moment, I said, ‘So this is it? Now we are back,’” he recalled, indicating a sense of resilience that arose from his suffering.
A Commitment to Advocacy
Mr. Macaroni’s experience ignited a newfound determination within him to advocate for those who feel powerless in society. He has since dedicated himself to using his platform to raise awareness about police brutality and advocate for justice and reform. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles many Nigerians face in their fight against systemic oppression.
The full interview can be watched below,
- Share
