Omotola reveals her children received death threats during #EndSARS protests, prompting her shift to strategic activism to protect her family

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has disclosed that her children received death threats during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, an experience she says profoundly changed her approach to activism.

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The revelation came on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds.

Omotola, who had previously faced personal threats, said the intimidation became real when it extended to her family.

“I am used to death threats; I have received them many times. But I have never seen anything like what happened during EndSARS. It was intense, my kids started getting death threats. That was when it became real, and when I realised this was no longer just about me,” she explained.

The actress said the situation escalated as individuals began searching for her at home and work, prompting her to reassess safety measures for herself and her children.

“When people started coming to my home and workplace looking for me, I knew it was time to think beyond myself. I had to protect others, especially my children,” she added.

Omotola also revealed that the experience influenced her decision to move away from street protests toward more strategic advocacy.

“I can’t control where they go. I can’t protect them as much. I don’t care for my life, but I do care for them,” she said.

#EndSARS was a mass movement that erupted in October 2020, demanding an end to police brutality, particularly abuses linked to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protests intensified after a viral video allegedly showed SARS officers killing a young man in Delta State, sparking nationwide outrage.

Omotola participated in protests at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, a symbolic centre of the movement, where demonstrators called for police reform and accountability.

The October 20, 2020, shooting at the toll gate became a defining moment of the protests, attracting international attention.

Following the incident, Omotola faced criticism over a tweet she posted, which some interpreted as questioning the reported deaths during the Lekki shooting.

She later apologised, emphasising that her intent was to highlight the seriousness of the alleged attack, not to dispute casualties.

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The Federal Government subsequently disbanded SARS and established the Special Weapons and Tactics unit. Protesters, however, insisted on further reforms, including justice for victims, accountability for officers, and improved policing standards.