A Lagos court has discharged a #EndSARS protester, Rasheed Wasiu, bringing to an end nearly six years of detention following his arrest during the 2020 demonstrations against police brutality.
The development was announced by the Take It Back Movement, which said the case against Wasiu was struck out on Wednesday, paving the way for his release.
The protests, which erupted across Nigeria in October 2020 under the banner of #EndSARS, were largely driven by young Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and abuses associated with the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in several states during the demonstrations, which were also marked by clashes with security operatives, arrests and claims of human rights violations.
In a statement issued by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the advocacy group described Wasiu’s freedom as another milestone in its campaign for the release of individuals detained in connection with the protests.
The organisation said the court’s decision had finally restored Wasiu’s freedom after years of legal battles and advocacy.
It added that persistent public engagement, legal efforts and solidarity had contributed to the outcome, expressing confidence that sustained pressure would continue to secure justice for others facing similar circumstances.
The group also revealed that several other individuals arrested during the protests had earlier regained their freedom through similar interventions.
Among them are Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
The group further praised a lawyer, Taiwo of Citizens Gavel, who assumed responsibility for Wasiu’s defence after the passing of human rights advocate Adeshina Ogunlana.
It noted that Taiwo’s commitment and diligence were crucial in securing the favourable ruling.
The statement also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, acknowledging that his earlier legal efforts played a key role in laying the groundwork that eventually led to Wasiu’s release.
The organisation reaffirmed its determination to continue supporting victims of injustice while pressing institutions to uphold accountability and the rule of law.
