The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olanrewaju Ishola, has directed the immediate release of all individuals detained in connection with the #EndSARS protests. This announcement was made by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, through a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. While no specific details were provided on the number of detainees, Hundeyin confirmed that everyone who had been held in custody had been released.
Commissioner Ishola personally supervised the release at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), demonstrating his commitment to ensuring due process. This move is seen as a step towards addressing lingering concerns about the handling of those who participated in the protests.
The #EndSARS protests, which erupted on October 20, 2020, were initiated as a youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, particularly the notorious actions of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). While the protests succeeded in pushing for the disbandment of SARS, the demonstrations were marred by violent confrontations. Numerous police officers lost their lives, and several public properties, including police stations, buses, and other facilities, were damaged as a result of the unrest.
The Commissioner’s recent action signals an effort to bring closure to the events surrounding the protests while addressing concerns about the detainees’ legal rights. The release is part of the broader post-#EndSARS efforts to restore trust between the public and law enforcement, as tensions remain around the aftermath of the movement and its consequences.
The #EndSARS protests marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s modern history, revealing deep-seated issues within the police force and sparking nationwide calls for reform.
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