Olushola Omogbehin
At last, Rasheed Wasiu, who was detained by the police following his participation in the 2020 #EndSARS protest, has been released.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Lagos State of Coordinator of Take It Back Movement advocacy group, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek.
Taofeek said Wasiu got his freedom on Wednesday, March 4, after a Lagos court dismissed his case.
The group through Taofeek described the release of Wasiu as a great breakthrough in its protracted campaign for the release of those arrested in connection with the protest.
“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 statement read.
According to the group, through public pressure with fierce legal battle, many other detainees in connection with the protest such as Olumide Fatai, Sunday Okoro, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Salaudeen Kamilu, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka have been released.
The group also showered praises on Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel for handling Wasiu’s legal battle after the death of human rights lawyer, Adeshina Ogunlana whose commitment to the case laid a strong foundation and the eventual victory..
“His dedication, professionalism and unwavering pursuit of justice played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome.
“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.
#EndSARS protest which began in October 2020, was a nationwide campaign against brutality by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
