‘No individual is unlawfully detained’ – Police reacts to Sani’s claim on detention of #EndSARS protesters

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced on Sunday, June 16, 2024, that none of the protesters arrested during the October 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations are still in detention.

The statement, made by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was in response to claims by former Senator Shehu Sani that some youths detained during the protests are still in custody.

In October 2020, Nigerian youths protested against police brutality and the general state of the country. During the protests, some police stations, formations, and officers were attacked, resulting in arrests. While many of those arrested were released, some were believed to still be in detention.

During a special Democracy Day dinner at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on June 12, 2024, Sani suggested that the protesters should be seen as champions of democracy and asked President Bola Tinubu to pardon those incarcerated.

However, the Police affirmed that all matters related to the protests have been resolved, with no one unlawfully detained. The statement emphasised that all arrested individuals were processed according to the law, with none remaining in detention.

“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,” the statement stressed.