The Lagos State Police Command has released the protesters who were arrested during the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests. Over 18 individuals were detained at the Lekki Toll Gate before being moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba, Lagos.
State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, was present at the SCID to oversee the release of the detained protesters. According to the police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the protesters were freed following a coordinated effort. He confirmed on social media, “All protesters in our custody have been released. CP Olanrewaju Ishola was on the ground at the SCID to personally see to that.”
The #EndSARS protests, which began in October 2020, were a response to police brutality and misconduct, during which numerous lives were reportedly lost. As part of the anniversary commemoration on Sunday, a group of youths gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, only to be met with tear gas and police intervention.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, revealed that among those arrested was Hassan Soweto, the National Spokesperson of the Youth Rights Campaign. Sanyaolu stated, “Soweto and 17 other members of the #EndBadGovernance Movement Lagos were arrested at the Lekki Toll Gate this morning by the police. We demand their immediate and unconditional release. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right.”
Other individuals named by Sanyaolu included Remilekun Orunsolu, Olamide Thomas, Michael Adedeji, Adeseye Eshe, and Olamilekan Sanusi, highlighting the broad participation in the commemoration.
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, also spoke out on the arrests. He tweeted, “The #PoliceNG has arrested over 18 peaceful protesters at #LekkiMassacreRemembrance at #LekkiTollGate. They subjected them to serious beating and torture while being temporarily detained in their Black Maria at the toll gate.”
Additionally, a user on X, identified as Frednardo da Vinci, shared a video showing arrested individuals chanting solidarity songs while being transported. “We have just been arrested at the Lekki toll gate where we marched out to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the victims of #EndSARS,” the post read.
Following the intervention by various groups, Sanyaolu confirmed the release of the protesters, stating, “All of the protesters have just been released. Thank you very much.”
