Yesterday #EndSars protests all over the country were taken to another level and young Nigerians came out in droves to fight the oppression from the special police unit. Whilst we presented a peaceful protests, the police still maintained their usual violence, which unfortunately led to the murder of Ogbomosho protestor, Jimoh Isiaka. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Across the country in Abeokuta, Ogun State, 15 protestors were detained at the State Police Headquarters, Eleweran. Their names are Akinbayo Damilola, Adeniyi Marcus, Akinola Ibrahim, Adele Sodiq, Ifedayo Orimolade, Aikomo Oluwatobi, Damilola Odolowu, Oladepo Olateju, Olayinka Dayo and Omogbolahan Oladayo. These 15 protestors were held at the station overnight and refused access to see their lawyers.

At the moment, lawyers are on their way to the station where they have been detained, and according to FK Abudu who brought this issue to light yesterday, “Everyone in charge said all the right things yesterday after pressure was applied, so let us see what happens”.

I just spoke to the Attorney General of Ogun state who has insisted to ensure they have access to their lawyers tomorrow morning. Seems the police has made some accusations against them, and that needs to be cleared before they can be released. Everything will unveil soon enough. https://t.co/keJu4UT9aY

— Tola (@adetolaov) October 10, 2020

FK Abudu has been reporting live from Abeokuta, stating that in addition, there are 6 unidentified arrested protestors who have not been given access to lawyers. She confirms that:

“Our lawyers have confirmed that 14 people (6 women, 8 men) have been brought into Eleweran from Magbon. Some are protesters and they “look worn out”. We’re trying to confirm who is where but please send any names. Particularly the women, we don’t have any women’s names”

The Ogun State Government has declared that they are working closely with the Commissioner of Police and Attorney General towards the release of these arrested protestors.

I have been working closely with the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General towards ensuring that any case of mistaken identity is immediately addressed, even as all suspects have been given undeterred access to legal representation.

— Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR (@dabiodunMFR) October 11, 2020

October 11:

27 protestors who were arrested in Ogun State have now been released after the involvement of the Ogun State Government. According to @adetolav, a few of them were injured whilst in custody and were still denied medical care or access to their lawyers.

Three of them, however, still remain in custody and are awaiting trial for attempted murder. The Feminist Coalition have arranged for lawyers to represent them in court.

Whew. Guys. We got 27 people released. 3 more we will support in court tomorrow. We got the Governor, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police to move. Incredible. Thank you!

I will now attempt to thank everyone who helped. Definitely did not do this alone

— FK. (@fkabudu) October 11, 2020

https://twitter.com/kayodea/status/1315583144142143489

We will continue to update this story with more information as we come across it.

Featured Image Credits: BBC

Please share any useful information on the SARS Protests with us @nativemag

ICYMI: The nation is united in our fight to #EndSARS