By Damilare Adeleye
A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, has discharged and acquitted six men who were charged with breach of public peace during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
The released protesters including Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Useni, and Azeez Isiaka, were freed on Thursday.
The #EndSARS movement, led by Nigerian youths in 2020, sought to dismantle the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and address police brutality.
Dr. Babajide Martins, Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), informed the court of an amended charge, stating that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on November 23, 2020, at noon in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
According to Martins, the defendants’ behaviour was likely to cause a breach of public peace, violating Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Director of Public Prosecutions requested that the court sentence the defendants according to their plea.
In contrast, their legal counsel, Mr. T. D. Ojeshino, implored the court to show leniency and temper justice with mercy.
“My lord, I plead the court to tamper justice with mercy as the defendants are first time offenders.
“Some are bread winners of their families and still very young.
“They have been in custody since 2020 and have truly learnt their lessons,” he said.
The defendants, who had entered a plea bargain agreement, pleaded guilty to a single count charge of breach of public peace brought by the Lagos State Government. Following the agreement, Magistrate Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi found the defendants guilty and convicted them of the offense.
Nevertheless, considering their prolonged detention of almost four years, she exercised leniency and cautioned and discharged them.