…The EndSARS protests, which erupted across Nigeria in October 2020, were largely driven by young people demanding an end to police brutality,
LAGOD, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | #EndSARS protester Rasheed Wasiu has been released after spending years in detention over his involvement in the 2020 demonstrations, according to the Lagos-based advocacy group, Take It Back Movement.
The #EndSARS protests, which erupted across Nigeria in October 2020, were largely driven by young people demanding an end to police brutality, particularly abuses linked to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The demonstrations attracted thousands of youths nationwide and were accompanied in some areas by confrontations with security agencies, widespread arrests and allegations of human rights violations.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the group disclosed that Wasiu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court struck out the case against him.
According to the organisation, the ruling brought an end to nearly six years of detention.
The group described the development as a major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign for the release of individuals arrested in connection with the #EndSARS protests.
It stated that the outcome reaffirmed its belief that persistence, solidarity and dedication to justice could yield positive results.
The movement also noted that sustained advocacy, legal action and public pressure had led to the release of several other detainees linked to the protests, including Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
The group further commended a lawyer identified as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for assuming Wasiu’s legal representation following the death of human rights lawyer Adeshina Ogunlana.
It praised Taiwo’s commitment and professionalism, noting that his efforts were instrumental in securing Wasiu’s release.
The organisation also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, acknowledging that his earlier work on the case laid the groundwork for the eventual outcome.
Reaffirming its stance, the group stressed that it would continue advocating for victims of injustice and pushing for accountability from relevant institutions until justice is fully achieved.
