17th June, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a claim by activist and former senator, Shehu Sani that some of the protesters arrested during the October 2020 demonstration against police brutality and extrajudicial killings, popularly called #EndSARS are still in detention.
Shehu Sani said this while speaking at a dinner organised by the presidency to mark the June 12 Democracy Day at Aso Rock presidential villa in Abuja.
The activist had consequently appealed to President Tinubu to ensure the release of the protesters from police custody.
However, Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Sunday said all the #EndSARS protesters arrested in 2020 have been released.
He added that none of the protesters are being unlawfully detained while noting that Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu pardoned more than 100 of those arrested.
“The Nigeria Police affirms that no individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the #EndSARS protest,” the statement partly read.
“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.”