Three years after the violent crackdown on the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality, Amnesty International Nigeria has revealed that at least 15 protesters arrested in 2020 are still being held without due process.
Amnesty International disclosed that the majority of these detainees are held without trial in the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos.
The Nigerian authorities have levied unfounded charges, including theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder, against many of these protesters. Disturbingly, allegations of torture have also surfaced from some of the detainees.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed their concerns, stating,
“Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. This shows the authorities’ contempt for due process of law. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released.”
Sanusi noted that seven #EndSARS protesters, including Daniel Joy-Igbo, Sodiq Adigun, and others, have been arbitrarily held in the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre since their arrest in Lagos in 2020. Some of these detainees, like Daniel Joy-Igbo, have not seen a courtroom since their arraignment in December 2020.
Sodiq Adigun, another protester arrested in October 2020, pleaded for his release, stating,
“Let the government release me. I have been detained since 2020 without trial. I am innocent. My life has been shattered. I need my liberty.”
Amnesty International further reported that eight #EndSARS protesters have been held without trial in the Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos since 2020.
Isa Sanusi emphasized, “All those detained solely for taking part in peaceful #EndSARS protests must be released immediately and unconditionally.”
Furthermore, the human rights organization highlighted that many peaceful #EndSARS protesters have endured torture and ill-treatment during their detention since 2020.
These allegations included the harrowing account of Oluwole Isa, who is currently held in the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre. He described being subjected to torture at the SARS facility in Ikeja. He said,
“I was tied with a rope. They bent me backwards and tied my hands and legs together at my back. An iron rod was passed in between my tied legs and hands.
“With the iron road, I was suspended on an iron bar. Then, they started beating me with a machete and wooden batons. They were forcing me to admit that I was involved in vandalism during the #EndSARS protests.
“When I could not bear the torture anymore, I told Inspector that I would confess. At that point, I was almost going to die. He brought me down; I still have the scar of the machete cut on my throat …”
Amnesty International’s report also sheds light on the resurgence of police brutality in Nigeria, despite promises of comprehensive police reforms following the #EndSARS protests.
The organization documented several cases of extrajudicial killings, harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion by law enforcement officers, often with impunity.
Isa Sanusi urged Nigerian authorities to take concrete actions to end police impunity and ensure that human rights are respected. Genuine reforms are needed to address widespread human rights violations by the police, and Nigeria must fulfill its obligation to prevent torture and ill-treatment under all circumstances.
This report underscores the ongoing struggle for justice, accountability, and human rights in the wake of the #EndSARS movement.
| Sahara Reporters
