In a significant development, six individuals who were detained during the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Lagos have been released after spending four years in custody. The protesters, identified as Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka, were initially arrested by the police for their involvement in the demonstrations.

Their case came to a close on August 22, 2024, when the Lagos State Magistrate’s Court in Ogba convicted them of causing a breach of peace. This offense, under the law, carries a maximum sentence of three months in jail or a fine of N15,000. However, since they had already spent four years in detention—far beyond the maximum penalty—the court decided to set them free.

The charge against them was amended before they were asked to enter their plea, and they all pleaded guilty. The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, urged the court to sentence them according to the law. However, the defense lawyer, Tajudeen Ojeshino, pleaded for leniency, highlighting that the convicts were first-time offenders and had already served a lengthy time in prison.

The presiding Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, acknowledged their plea and released the defendants due to the time they had already served. She reminded them of the importance of abiding by the law and warned them against engaging in any criminal activities in the future.

This case highlights the ongoing repercussions of the #EndSARS protests, which were a nationwide movement against police brutality in Nigeria. The release of these six individuals serves as a reminder of the significant impact the protests had on the lives of many Nigerians and the justice system.