The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani, who claimed that some individuals have been detained since the 2020 EndSARS protests. The claims were made during the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a press release, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer Police clarified that no EndSARS protesters are currently being held unlawfully by the Police or any other security agency in Nigeria.
Adepoju stated, “The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani at the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner on June 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the former Senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 EndSARS protest.
“The Nigeria Police affirms that no individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the EndSARS protest. All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained. In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested by the Police during the protest.
“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under Police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the EndSARS protest. The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, and documented, and lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on.
“We urge the public to disregard this claim and remain assured of our commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and human rights. We encourage verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement.”