Court releases six #ENDSARS protesters after 4 years in detention

The Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday released six men charged with breach of the public peace during the 2020 #ENDSARS protest in the state.

They are – Daniel Joyinbo (31), Adigun Sodiq (28), Kehinde Shola (32), Salaudeen Kamilu (29), Sodiq Usseni (33) and Azeez Isiaka (34).

In a plea bargain agreement, the defendants pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of breach of the public peace preferred against them by the Lagos State government.

After listening to the plea bargain agreement, the Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi, found the defendants guilty and convicted them of the offence.

She, however, cautioned and released them because they had spent almost four years in custody.

Earlier, the Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, told the court that he had an amended charge.

He said the defendants committed the offence on November 23, 2020, in the Ebutte Metta area of the state.

He added that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the public peace.

READ ALSO: Rights group demands justice for #EndSARS protesters

The DPP said the offence contravened Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Martins, however, urged the court to sentence the defendants based on their plea.

The defendants’ legal representative, Mr. T.D Ojeshino, pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy.

“My lord, I plead the court to tamper justice with mercy as the defendants are first-time offenders.

“Some are breadwinners of their families and still very young.

“They have been in custody since 2020 and have truly learnt their lessons,” he stated.

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