The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied holding any #EndSARS protesters in their custody nationwide.
This announcement comes in response to a Democracy Day speech by Shehu Sani, a former Senator who urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure the release of all protesters arrested during the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statememt refuted the allegations made by Sani during the 2024 Democracy Day dinner at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Shehu Sani… where the former Senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 #EndSARS protest”, Adejobi stated.
He further mentioned that no individuals are unlawfully detained by the police or any other security agency in connection with the protests.
“All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained,” Adejobi added.
The police statement also highlighted that in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested during the protests.
“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,” the statement read.
The NPF urged the public to disregard Sani’s claims and reassured citizens of their commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights.
The police also encouraged the verification of information before making public statements to avoid causing harm and incitement.
