In a resolute display of determination and bravery, Obianuju Iloanya, one of the subjects of the powerful documentary “Awaiting Trial,” embarked on a 10-day one-woman protest at the National Assembly. Her unwavering mission: to seek justice for her missing brother, Chijioke Iloanya, who mysteriously vanished after being detained by Awkuzu SARS.

“I don’t have any options, except to keep on fighting for justice. First, for my brother and my family. But also for other victims. I believe that as long as you are a Nigerian, living under the democracy called the Nigerian State, you have a right to justice and you should get it,” Obianuju passionately shared, explaining the driving force behind her solitary protest.

Her heartrending journey sheds light on the horrors endured by victims of police brutality in Nigeria. The notorious Awkuzu SARS and its former commander, James Nwafor, stand as haunting symbols of the unchecked atrocities that have plagued the nation. Despite retiring from the police force years ago, James Nwafor’s legacy of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations continues to cast a dark shadow over the region.

“I have killed your son, and there is nothing you can do about it,” Nwafor brazenly told Obianuju’s parents. His arrogant boasting, paired with the lack of consequences for his crimes, has emboldened others to follow suit. The cycle of injustice perpetuates as rogue officers evade accountability.

Obianuju’s strength stems from her profound belief that justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right for every Nigerian. Her three demands serve as a rallying cry for all those who dare to challenge the status quo: the arrest and prosecution of James Nwafor, the release of the #EndSARS panel reports of all states and the whitepapers, and the release of all #EndSARS protesters still languishing in prison.

With unyielding resolve, she took her cause to the Nigerian National Assembly, urging lawmakers to address the issue of police brutality and hold James Nwafor accountable. The Government of Anambra State received her impassioned petitions, a testament to her unflagging determination.

The #EndSARS protests echoed the collective voice of countless Nigerians seeking justice, accountability, and an end to the culture of fear perpetuated by the criminal justice system. Obianuju’s poignant one-woman protest magnifies the urgency of the cause. Her unwavering stance demonstrates the power of an individual to spark change and unite a nation in the pursuit of justice.

As the documentary “Awaiting Trial” portrays, the plight of Obianuju Iloanya and countless others illustrates the devastating consequences of unchecked police brutality. This call to action challenges society to dismantle the structures that perpetuate suffering and create a new era of fairness and empathy.

In the face of adversity, Obianuju’s courage and resilience shine brightly, igniting hope for a better Nigeria. Through her actions, she illuminates a path toward unity, healing, and the possibility of a future where justice prevails.