An Ikeja court has discharged and acquitted six #EndSARS protesters after nearly four years in prison. The defendants pleaded guilty to public disturbance. Their release sparked widespread reactions on social media, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of protesters in Nigeria and calls for justice and systemic change.
On August 22, 2024, an Ikeja chief magistrate's court discharged and acquitted six #EndSARS protesters who had spent nearly four years in prison. The individuals, identified as Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka, were arrested during the 2020 protests against police brutality.
The group entered a plea bargain agreement, admitting guilt to a single charge of public disturbance brought by the Lagos State Government. While the magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, accepted the plea and found them guilty, she ultimately decided to release them after noting their lengthy incarceration.
Public reactions to the ruling were swift and emotional. Many took to social media to express shock at the lengthy imprisonment for what was deemed a peaceful protest. Comments ranged from outrage over the injustice of their imprisonment to calls for financial support for the released individuals. Some users expressed disbelief that the story had not received more attention sooner, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by protesters in Nigeria.
The release of the six protesters has reignited discussions about the treatment of dissent in Nigeria, with some lamenting the lost years of their lives. Others emphasized the need for systemic change and greater protection for citizens exercising their right to protest. The incident underscores the lasting impact of the #EndSARS movement and the continued demand for justice in the country.
