- The situation, according to her, became deeply troubling when the threats extended beyond her to members of her family
- The award-winning actress explained that her involvement in the protests went far beyond social media support
- She further revealed that the intimidation escalated from online attacks to real-life encounters
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has recounted the frightening ordeal she and her family endured during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, disclosing that threats against her children forced her to reassess the risks of public activism.
Speaking during an interview on Rubbin’ Minds, a current affairs programme on Channels Television aired on Sunday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the actress said the backlash she faced during the protest period was unlike anything she had previously experienced in her decades-long career as a public figure.
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Omotola, who is no stranger to online harassment, described the #EndSARS era as the most dangerous phase of her advocacy work.
“I have received death threats before, but nothing compares to what happened during #EndSARS. It was extremely intense,” she said.
The situation, according to her, became deeply troubling when the threats extended beyond her to members of her family.
“When my children started receiving death threats, it crossed a line. That was when it became truly disturbing,” she added.
The award-winning actress explained that her involvement in the protests went far beyond social media support, noting that she actively participated in street protests and engaged in international advocacy.
“I was physically on the streets, speaking up internationally, granting interviews to platforms like CNN, and engaging with embassies and international non-governmental organisations,” she said.
She further revealed that the intimidation escalated from online attacks to real-life encounters, with individuals reportedly showing up at her home and workplace.
“When people began to physically come to my house and office looking for me, I realised I had to think beyond myself and consider the safety of others around me,” Omotola said.
Her comments highlight the personal risks faced by public figures who played visible roles during the #EndSARS movement, which called for an end to police brutality in Nigeria.
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