A Lagos-based advocacy group, the Take It Back Movement, has announced the release of Rasheed Wasiu, who was detained for his involvement in the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
The #EndSARS demonstrations, which began in October 2020, were youth-led nationwide protests against police brutality, particularly the actions of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The protests attracted thousands of young Nigerians and, in some areas, were marked by clashes, arrests and allegations of human rights abuses.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the group said Wasiu regained his freedom on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court struck out the case against him.
The development ended nearly six years of detention.
The group described the outcome as a major milestone in its ongoing campaign to secure the release of individuals arrested in connection with the protests.
“Today marks another milestone in our struggle for justice, as the case of Rasheed Wasiu has been officially struck out, restoring his long-awaited freedom,” the statement said.
It added that the development reinforced its belief that persistence, solidarity and commitment to justice would always yield results.
The movement also noted that through advocacy efforts, legal intervention and public pressure, it had secured the release of several other detainees linked to the protests. Those freed include 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 dedication and professionalism played a key role in achieving the outcome.
The group also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his commitment to the case laid the foundation for Wasiu’s eventual release.
“We remain committed to standing with victims of injustice and holding institutions accountable. The struggle continues until justice is fully achieved for all,” the statement added.
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