No EndSARS Protesters in Detention, Police Refute Sani’s Claims

The Nigeria Police have refuted allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani that youths arrested during the 2020 EndSARS protests remain in detention. Senator Sani made the claim during the 2024 Democracy Day dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urging President Bola Tinubu to release these protesters.

However, in a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, asserted that no individuals are being unlawfully detained by the police or any other security agency in connection with the EndSARS protests. “All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained,” Adejobi stated. He highlighted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos had pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested during the protests.

“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is in 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,” Adejobi added.

The police urged the public to disregard Senator Sani’s claims, reaffirming their commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights. They also encouraged verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement.