The Lagos State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has announced new progress in its effort to free Nigerians arrested after the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
In a statement signed by Mr. Adekunle Adeyemi, the Lagos State Coordinator, the movement said it has secured the release of nine people who were arrested in connection with the protests.
The freed individuals are Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka.
They also confirmed that a court has struck out the case against another detainee, Rasheed Wasiu. This decision officially ended his case and restored his freedom after years of legal battles.
TIB described the development as a major achievement. According to the statement, it shows that persistence, unity, and public pressure can help promote justice and accountability.
The movement also recognized the role of Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel, who took over Rasheed Wasiu’s case after the death of Barrister Adeshina Ogunlana. TIB said Taiwo’s efforts played a key role in securing the court’s decision.
The movement also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, a human rights lawyer who handled several #EndSARS-related cases before his passing and laid the legal foundation for the progress achieved.
The movement repeated its call for authorities to stop unlawful detentions and respect the rights of citizens. It stressed that no Nigerian should be kept in detention without proper legal process.
The #EndSARS protests began in October 2020 as a movement against police brutality and the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests were met with crackdowns in different parts of the country, leading to arrests, injuries, and deaths.
Nearly six years later, advocacy groups say some of those arrested during the protests are still facing prolonged court cases and delayed trials.
The Take It Back Movement said it will continue its campaign until all remaining detainees regain their freedom and justice is fully achieved.
Part of the statement reads:
“Since the unfortunate events that followed the protests, the movement has remained committed to ensuring that innocent Nigerians who were unjustly detained are not forgotten.
“Today marks another important step in this struggle, as the case of Rasheed Wasiu has been struck out, restoring his freedom. This shows that persistence, solidarity, and dedication to justice will always produce results.”
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to standing with victims of injustice and holding institutions accountable. It called on relevant authorities to ensure that no Nigerian is unlawfully detained or denied their fundamental rights, adding that the struggle will continue until justice is fully achieved for all.
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