The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Olanrewaju Ishola, has ordered the release of all individuals detained in connection with the #EndSARS 4th anniversary protests at the Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday. This announcement was made by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, via a statement on his X handle.
Hundeyin did not specify the number of individuals who were detained during the protests. He confirmed, “All protesters in our custody have been released,” adding that CP Ishola was present at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to personally oversee the release process.
The #EndSARS movement began on October 20, 2020, as a response to the alleged misconduct of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). While the protests resulted in the disbandment of SARS, they also led to violence, with reports of police officers being killed and significant damage to government property, including police stations and public transport facilities.
The police’s decision to release the detained protesters reflects an effort to ease tensions and promote dialogue following the anniversary of a movement that has had a lasting impact on the discourse around police reform and human rights in Nigeria.