After more than five years in detention, a citizen who took part in the EndSARS protest has finally regained freedom.
Rasheed Wasiu was freed on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court struck out his case.
Lagos-based advocacy group, the Take It Back Movement, announced the release of Wasiu.
The group described Wasiu’s release as a significant breakthrough in its sustained campaign for the release of persons arrested in connection with the EndSARS protest which took place for several days in October 2020.
A statement from the group reads: “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.
“This development reinforces our belief that persistence, solidarity and commitment to justice will always yield results.”
The group added that through sustained advocacy, legal intervention and public pressure, it had secured the release of several other detainees linked to the protest, including Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
It also commended a legal counsel identified simply as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for taking over Wasiu’s legal representation following the death of human rights lawyer, Adeshina Ogunlana.
“His dedication, professionalism and unwavering pursuit of justice played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome,” the statement added.
The group also paid tribute to the late Ogunlana, noting that his efforts and commitment to the case laid a strong foundation for the eventual success.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to standing with victims of injustice and holding institutions accountable. This struggle continues until justice is not only pursued but fully realised for all,” the statement added.