Six men arrested during the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Lagos have been discharged by a Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ogba after spending almost four years in custody. The defendants—Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka—were released on Thursday by Magistrate Bolanle Osunsanmi after being cautioned.
The men were discharged after pleading guilty to a single amended charge filed against them by the Lagos State Government. The charge, dated August 22, 2024, accused them of acting in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace, which violates Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the alleged offence occurred on November 23, 2020, around 12 p.m. in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos. Martins stated, “The defendants acted in a way that could have disturbed public order, which is a punishable offence under the state’s laws.”
Under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, the offence of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace carries a penalty of up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of N15,000. Depending on the severity of the case and other circumstances, the court may impose either or both penalties.
After the defendants entered their guilty pleas, Magistrate Osunsanmi asked if they fully understood the implications of their plea. “Do you understand the content of your guilty plea and the court’s obligation to impose the maximum sentence for this charge?” she inquired. The defendants confirmed their understanding and accepted the plea bargain agreement.
While the prosecution requested that the court sentence the defendants in accordance with the guilty plea agreement, the defence counsel, T.D. Ojeshina, appealed for leniency. “My Lord, I respectfully ask the court to temper justice with mercy. These young men are first-time offenders and have already spent nearly four years in custody. Some of them are the breadwinners of their families and have suffered greatly. They have learnt their lessons,” Ojeshina said.
Considering the submissions from both sides, Magistrate Osunsanmi acknowledged the time the defendants had already served. “In light of the fact that these men have been in prison for nearly four years, I find them guilty as charged but will discharge them as they have already spent more than the required term of punishment,” she stated.
Before their release, the magistrate issued a stern warning to the six men, emphasizing the serious consequences of their actions and urging them to lead law-abiding lives in the future.
