A Lagos-based advocacy group, the Take It Back Movement, said on Thursday that Rasheed Wasiu, who had been detained for his role in the 2020 #EndSARS protests, has regained his freedom after a court in Lagos struck out his case.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, the group said Wasiu was released Wednesday, ending nearly six years of detention.
The #EndSARS protests, which erupted in October 2020, were nationwide youth-led demonstrations against police brutality, particularly targeting the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The protests drew thousands of young Nigerians to the streets and were marked by clashes in some states, mass arrests and allegations of human rights violations.
The group described Wasiu’s release as a milestone in its campaign for the freedom of individuals arrested in connection with the demonstrations.
“Today marks yet another milestone in our ongoing struggle for justice, as the case of Rasheed Wasiu was officially struck out, restoring his long-awaited freedom,” the statement said. “This development reinforces our belief that persistence, solidarity and commitment to justice will always yield results.”
The Take It Back Movement said its advocacy, legal interventions and public pressure had also led to the release of other detainees linked to the protests, including Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
The group commended a lawyer identified as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for taking over Wasiu’s legal representation following the death of human rights lawyer Adeshina Ogunlana.
It said Taiwo’s efforts were instrumental in securing the outcome and paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his earlier work on the case laid the foundation for Wasiu’s eventual release.
The group said it would continue to support victims of injustice and push for accountability.
