A participant in the 2020 #EndSARS protests, Rasheed Wasiu, has regained his freedom after spending nearly six years in detention.
His release was announced by the Take It Back Movement, a Lagos-based advocacy group, which disclosed that a Lagos court struck out the case against him on Wednesday, March 4.
The development brings to an end the prolonged detention that followed his involvement in the nationwide #EndSARS demonstrations that erupted in October 2020.
The protests, driven largely by Nigerian youths, were organised to demand an end to police brutality, particularly the activities of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The demonstrations attracted thousands of participants across several states, though some locations recorded clashes with security operatives, mass arrests and allegations of human rights abuses.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, and obtained on Thursday, the group described Wasiu’s release as a major step forward in its ongoing advocacy for individuals detained over their participation in the protests.
The statement noted that the court’s decision to strike out the case finally restored the freedom the activist had awaited for years.
It added that the development reaffirmed the group’s conviction that sustained advocacy, unity and dedication to justice could produce positive outcomes.
The organisation further stated that through legal action, public advocacy and persistent engagement, it had facilitated the release of several other individuals arrested in connection with the protests.
Those earlier freed include Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
The group also commended a legal practitioner, Taiwo of Citizens Gavel, who took over Wasiu’s legal representation after the death of human rights lawyer Adeshina Ogunlana.
According to the statement, Taiwo’s commitment and professionalism were instrumental in securing the favourable outcome.
It also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his earlier efforts and dedication to the case helped lay the groundwork that ultimately led to Wasiu’s release.
The group reaffirmed its resolve to continue advocating for victims of injustice while urging institutions to remain accountable in the pursuit of justice.