Arrested #EndSARS Memorial Protesters Regain freedom

By Dotun Omisakin

The twenty-two arrested protesters of #EndSARS memorial have been released.

The protesters were forced into a police van during a demonstration at the Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday, to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.

Daily Trust learnt they were taken to the state’s Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.

Hassan Soweto, the National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), who confirmed their release  in a chat with Daily Trust, expressed displeasure over the arrest, describing the law enforcement agency action as brutal.

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“The action of the police today did not only constitute a violation of all decency and rules of engagement, it was brutal and malicious.”

“The Lagos Commissioner of Police has demonstrated very clearly that like all commissioners before him, he has no respect for the rights of ordinary Nigerians to peaceful assembly,” he said.

Despite the police’s action, Soweto stressed on the importance of the protest, insisting on their willingness to raise their voices against policies meting burden on the citizens.

“We condemn this unprovoked brutalisation and arrest and vow that this will neither dissuade nor stop us in our campaign and mobilisation against the anti-poor policies of President Tinubu,” he said.

Another protester, Thomas Olamide, expressed dismay over the apprehension, saying they were not tortured at the police station.

She, however, accused the Police of not releasing all their valuables.

“They took us to Panti, Yaba and did not torture us but we demanded for our belonging but they have not released them. The police stole part of our money and valuables from some of us. Can you imagine? Personally, I have N25,000 in my wallet, but I met N9500,” she said.