The Nigeria Police Force has officially stated that none of the individuals arrested during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality and extrajudicial killings remain in detention. This clarification was issued by the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Sunday.
Adejobi’s statement came in response to claims made by Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District. Sani had alleged that some of the youths detained during the #EndSARS protests were still being held in custody. The police force has described these claims as untrue.
The #EndSARS protests in 2020 saw a significant number of Nigerian youths taking to the streets to demand an end to police brutality and to call for broader social and political reforms. The protests were initially peaceful but escalated following reports of violence and vandalism. Several police stations, formations, and officers were attacked, leading to numerous arrests across the country. While many of the arrested protesters were subsequently released, there had been lingering concerns and speculations that some remained in detention.
During a special dinner organized to mark Democracy Day, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on June 12, 2024, Shehu Sani reiterated his concern about the treatment of #EndSARS protesters. He advocated for the recognition of these protesters as champions of democracy, given their efforts to highlight and address critical issues affecting the nation. Sani also called on President Bola Tinubu to pardon those who were incarcerated during the 2020 protests.
Sani’s remarks were intended to draw attention to the plight of the protesters and to urge the government to consider a more reconciliatory approach. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the role that these young people played in pushing for democratic values and social justice in Nigeria. By advocating for their pardon, Sani sought to promote healing and unity within the country.
In response, the Nigeria Police Force reiterated that the issue of detained protesters had already been resolved. The statement from the police emphasized that all those who were detained in connection with the #EndSARS protests had been released. The police also stressed that the events surrounding the protests had been a learning experience for all involved. The spokesman stated, “lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on,” highlighting a desire to put the past behind and focus on the future.
This assertion by the police is aimed at reassuring the public that the justice system has addressed the concerns raised by the protests. It also serves to counteract any misinformation regarding the continued detention of protesters. The police force’s emphasis on moving forward suggests an effort to promote national healing and reconciliation following the turbulent events of 2020.
The #EndSARS protests were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s recent history, shining a spotlight on the issue of police brutality and catalyzing a broader conversation about governance and human rights in the country. The government’s response to the protests, including the handling of arrested individuals, remains a topic of significant public interest and scrutiny.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the aftermath of the #EndSARS movement, the statements from both Shehu Sani and the Nigeria Police Force underscore the ongoing challenges and opportunities for fostering a more just and democratic society. The call for pardons and the police’s assurance of resolution reflect the complex interplay between accountability, justice, and reconciliation in the nation’s journey toward a more inclusive democracy.
“The Nigeria Police affirms that no individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the EndSARS protes,” the statement partly read.
“All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained. In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested by the Police during the protest.
“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under Police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the EndSARS protest. The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, and documented, and lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on.
“We urge the public to disregard this claim and remain assured of our commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and human rights.”
