The Nigerian Police Force has refuted Senator Shehu Sani’s recent charges that some young people have been imprisoned since the 2020 EndSARS demonstration.
In a statement released today, June 16, the police spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: ‘’No individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the EndSARS protest. 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. We encourage verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement.”
Sani stated during the Democracy Day dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 12 that certain Nigerians are still detained for their part in the ENDSARS protest and urged President Tinubu to pardon and release them.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli