The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has vehemently denied allegations made by former Senator Shehu Sani that it is still detaining protesters from the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations across its facilities nationwide.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, categorically refuted Sani’s claims, calling them “not only false but misleading.”
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani at the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner on June 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the former Senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 EndSARS protest,” Adejobi stated.
The EndSARS protests, which took place in October 2020, were a series of nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests gained global attention and sparked debates about police reform and accountability in Nigeria.
During the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner, former Senator Shehu Sani alleged that the police were still holding some protesters from the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations in detention facilities across the country.
In response to Sani’s allegations, the police spokesperson provided a firm denial and clarification.
Adejobi stated. “The Nigeria Police affirms that no individual is being unlawfully detained by the Nigeria Police Force or any other security agency in Nigeria due to the EndSARS protest.
“All arrested individuals have been processed according to the law, and none remain unlawfully detained.”
Adejobi cited the example of Lagos State, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pardoned approximately 100 suspects arrested by the police during the protest.
“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under Police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the EndSARS protest,” he added. “The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, and documented, and lessons have been learned. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on.”
The police spokesperson urged the public to disregard Sani’s claim and assured citizens of the police’s commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and human rights.
“We encourage verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement,” Adejobi added.
