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#EndSARS Protesters Still Detained Without Trial in Nigeria

Three years after the violent suppression of the nationwide #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, at least fifteen protesters arrested in 2020 are still being arbitrarily detained, with most of them facing no trials, reports Amnesty International.

They are held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos. The Nigerian authorities have charged them with trumped-up offenses, including theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder. Some detainees have reported being subjected to torture.

The human rights group has called for the immediate and unconditional release of these protesters. Those detained have been languishing in prison for three years without a trial, highlighting the authorities' disregard for human rights and due process.

In 2020, the #EndSARS protests were triggered by grievances arising from years of harassment and rights violations by operatives of the police's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which led to its disbandment in October 2020. A new unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), was formed to replace the controversial squad. The protests gained global attention and culminated in the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki tollgate, in which 56 people lost their lives.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has warned against any gatherings at the Lekki tollgate.

InFocus

Nengi Nelson/Unsplash

Social media was instrumental to the organisation and spread of the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria in October 2020.

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