This project is titled: “Soko Soke or Park Well”. “Soro Soke” is a Nigerian slang of Yoruba extraction that translates to “speak up.” Literally, the project translates to: “Speak up or Park Well”; Park Well, being a common street slang used by the Nigerian Policewhen confronting Nigerians. It is during this confrontation that most brutalities and violations of the human rights of youths happen.

Project is brought by a consortium of three Civil Society Organizations working in the field of advocacy, youth development, governance programming, policy development/analysis, women’s health and economic rights, persons with disability rights and vulnerable support. The organizations include:

• The Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE).
• Youth Empowerment Solutions ProjectInitiative (YES-P).
• Centre for Health Education and Vulnerable Support (CHEVS).

The project seeks to ensure that police brutality and violation of human rights of youths is brought to an end by educating Nigerian youths on their rights before the police – so they know when their rights are abused – and how to engage the police when confronted or under arrest to prevent conflict; Providing effective reporting system to report brutalities and rights violations; Tracking reported and unreported cases and working with support groups to engage the appropriate police authorities to ensure that justice is delivered; Providing support resources that youth can reach out to for help when confronted by police.

Specific actions proposed under this project are:

• Build a formidable network of 72 vocal youth advocates (2 from each state) committed to monitoring and tracking the implementation and compliance of new police regulations in their communities. We shall train and equip these young people with the skills and tools to monitor and report their findings.

• Assemble a team of pro bono lawyers and legal experts to seek justice for Nigerians facing trumped-up charges for agitating for better governance.

• Engage government at all levels (Federal, State and Local) through dialogue and non-confrontational approach to pressure them into compliance with the #5for5 demands of Nigerian youths.

• Strategic lobbying of lawmakers to enact laws and policies that advance the achievement of the demands for good governance entrenched in the #5for5 demands.

• Sustain the “Soro Soke” spirit by continuous engagement and preservation of the Nigerian digital space with emphasis on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

• Virtual public trainings and sensitization of Nigerians on how to effectively engage the Nigerian police and understand their rights and limitations in cases of dispute.

Soro Soke – Strengthening the Fight Against Police Brutality in Nigeria 

In the wake of the #EndSARS protests, young people across Nigeria were left with a deep sense of injustice. The movement exposed systemic police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations, yet many victims remained behind bars, and fear silenced those who sought justice. 

The Soro Soke or Park Well Project, implemented by Youth Empowerment Solutions Project Initiative (YES Project) and the Centre for Health Education and Vulnerable Support (CHEVS), set out to break this silence. Over the course of one year, this initiative built a network of human rights defenders, empowered young people to hold law enforcement accountable, and secured the release of unlawfully detained youths. 

The project created pathways for justice and dialogue between communities and authorities, working directly with lawyers, human rights organizations, and law enforcement agencies. By fostering youth leadership, legal advocacy, and public awareness, the initiative has helped shift the culture of fear and impunity that followed the #EndSARS movement. 

Building a Movement: From Awareness to Action 

Soro Soke was not just about raising awareness—it was about equipping people with the tools to challenge police brutality and protect human rights in their communities. 

Through five residential bootcamps across southeastern Nigeria, 95 youth anchors were trained in human rights monitoring, police accountability, and legal advocacy. These young leaders became community watchdogs, stepping in where state protections had failed. 

The project also established a police-youth access path, giving young people a direct channel to report incidents of police brutality to rapid response units and receive real-time feedback. A toll-free helpline was set up, providing an accessible way for victims to report abuses and connect with pro bono legal teams. 

This structured approach helped dismantle the fear of speaking up, reinforcing the idea that justice is possible when communities stand together and demand accountability. 

Breaking the Chains of Injustice 

One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the release of 35 unlawfully detained youths, including 10 individuals held in Aba Correctional Centre due to their participation in the #EndSARS protests. 

Many of these individuals had been held without trial, their voices lost in the system. Through legal intervention, advocacy visits to correctional centers, and legislative pressure, the project secured their freedom—proving that the fight for justice did not end with the protests. 

Beyond individual cases, the initiative has shifted public attitudes. More young people are now willing to speak out against police violence, and communities are recognizing the importance of knowing and defending their rights. 

Challenges and Lessons Learned 

The fight against police brutality is complex, and this project encountered several challenges. 

One of the biggest hurdles was initial resistance from law enforcement agencies. Many officers viewed the initiative as an attack rather than an effort to improve relations between police and civilians. However, through consistent dialogue and engagement with police commissioners, public relations officers, and youth development agencies, trust gradually improved. 

Another challenge was fear and hesitation among victims and their families. Many had witnessed retaliation against those who spoke out, making them reluctant to seek justice. The project overcame this by providing legal protections, psychological support, and assurance of confidentiality when handling cases. 

Finally, sustaining engagement beyond the project’s timeline remains a challenge. While the youth anchors and legal teams remain active, continuous funding and policy support are necessary to keep the momentum alive. 

A Future Without Fear 

This project has laid the foundation for long-term change. Moving forward, the network of youth human rights defenders will continue monitoring police activity, reporting abuses, and supporting victims. The legal pathways established through this initiative will help more individuals seek justice, ensuring that cases of police brutality do not disappear into silence. 

The ultimate success of Soro Soke is not just in the number of detainees freed or the youth leaders trained, but in the cultural shift it has sparked. The culture of silence is fading. Communities now understand that they have the right to demand accountability. Young people have seen that change is possible when they organize, mobilize, and refuse to be silenced. 

As one of the project’s youth anchors put it: 

“The aftermath of the #EndSARS protest left a gap in justice delivery, and there is no better time to seek justice than now.”