Six #EndSARS Protesters Released After Nearly Four Years in Detention

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A Magistrate Court in Ogba, Lagos State, has ordered the release of six men who had been detained for nearly four years following their arrest during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. The individuals, identified as Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka, were freed by Magistrate Bolanle Osunsanmi on Thursday after they entered guilty pleas to an amended charge.

The amended charge, filed by the Lagos State Government on August 22, 2024, accused the men of engaging in behavior likely to breach the peace, an offense under Section 168(d) of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015. The prosecution, led by Dr. Babajide Martins, stated that the offense took place on November 23, 2020, around noon in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos.

Upon their guilty pleas, Magistrate Osunsanmi asked the defendants if they fully comprehended the consequences of their plea, including the possibility of a maximum sentence. After confirming their understanding, the court proceeded with the plea agreement. 

Although the prosecution recommended sentencing based on the plea, the defense counsel, T.D. Ojeshina, appealed for leniency, highlighting the nearly four years already spent in custody by the men and their roles as family breadwinners.

Magistrate Osunsanmi, taking into account the time served, found the defendants guilty but discharged them, noting that their detention had already exceeded the punishment for their offense. Before their release, the magistrate issued a caution, emphasizing the importance of lawful conduct going forward.

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