•A scene of the protest in 2020
A Lagos-based advocacy group, the Take It Back Movement, has announced the release of Rasheed Wasiu, who was detained following his participation in the 2020 #EndSARS protest.
The #EndSARS protest, which began in October 2020, was a nationwide youth-led demonstration against police brutality, particularly the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The protests drew thousands of young Nigerians to the streets and were marked by clashes in some states, mass arrests and allegations of human rights violations, reports The PUNCH.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, and obtained by our correspondent yesterday, the group said Wasiu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court struck out his case.
According to the group, the development ended nearly six years of detention.
The statement described the development as a significant breakthrough in its sustained campaign for the release of persons arrested in connection with the protest.
“Today marks yet another milestone in our ongoing struggle for justice, as the case of Rasheed Wasiu was officially struck out, restoring his long-awaited freedom.
“This development reinforces our belief that persistence, solidarity and commitment to justice will always yield results,” the statement read.
The group added that through sustained advocacy, legal intervention and public pressure, it had secured the release of several other detainees linked to the protest, including Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
It also commended a legal counsel identified simply as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for taking over Wasiu’s legal representation following the death of human rights lawyer, Adeshina Ogunlana.
“His dedication, professionalism and unwavering pursuit of justice played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome,” the statement added.
The group also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his efforts and commitment to the case laid a strong foundation for the eventual success.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to standing with victims of injustice and holding institutions accountable. This struggle continues until justice is not only pursued but fully realised for all,” the statement added.
