Nollywood star and Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliott has opened up about a terrifying brush with death during the October 2020 EndSARS protests, revealing that he was almost burnt alive when unknown attackers set his office on fire.
- Elliott stayed overnight in his Surulere office due to the curfew
- He heard his landlady’s daughter shouting to mislead attackers
- A petrol bomb was thrown in, igniting a fire
- Elliott called for emergency help, describing it as his “scariest moment.”
- He made the remarks in a new interview with Nollywood On Radio
- Many Nigerians are sceptical of Elliott's account, with some accusing him of lying. Critics are questioning his focus on his close call while ignoring the many lives lost during the protests.
This emotional account adds a personal dimension to a protest movement already marked by pain and controversy. While many Nigerians still hold Elliott accountable for calling young protesters “children,” his story shows that lawmakers were not immune to the chaos.
What does this say about the breakdown of public trust? Can leaders heal from both fear and backlash?
The protest was national. The danger was personal. And the aftermath is still unfolding—for both the people and those they elected.
