#EndSARS Protester Wasiu Freed After Nearly 6 Years In Detention

A Lagos-based advocacy group, the Take It Back Movement, has announced the release of #EndSARS protester, Rasheed Wasiu, who had been in detention since his arrest during the 2020 protests against police brutality.

The group confirmed that Wasiu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court struck out the case against him, bringing an end to nearly six years of detention.

In a statement signed by its Lagos State coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the group described the development as a significant milestone in its sustained campaign for the release of individuals arrested in connection with the protests.

“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,” the statement read.

“This development reinforces our belief that persistence, solidarity and commitment to justice will always yield results.”

The #EndSARS protests, which began in October 2020, were a nationwide youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, particularly the activities of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Thousands of young Nigerians participated in demonstrations across major cities, with some locations witnessing confrontations with security agencies, arrests and allegations of human rights violations.

The Take It Back Movement said its sustained advocacy, legal interventions and public pressure had also led to the release of several other detainees linked to the protests. According to the group, those freed include Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.

The group also commended a legal counsel identified as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for taking over Wasiu’s legal representation after 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.

It further paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his earlier efforts and commitment to the case laid the 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 said.