Court Acquits Six #EndSARS Protesters

The Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court has acquitted six individuals who faced charges related to public peace disturbances during the 2020 #Endsars protests.

The Eaglesforesight reports that the individuals acquitted on Thursday are Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka.

In a plea bargain arrangement, the defendants admitted guilt to a single charge of breaching public peace, as brought forth by the Lagos State Government.

After reviewing the plea agreement, Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi found them guilty and issued a conviction.

However, she cautioned and discharged them, noting that they had already spent nearly four years in custody.

Earlier in the proceedings, Dr Babajide Martins, the Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP), informed the court of an amended charge.

He stated that the defendants had engaged in conduct that could disrupt public peace on November 23, 2020, at 12:00 PM in Ebutte Metta, Lagos.

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This behaviour was said to violate Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Dr. Martins requested that the court impose a sentence in line with the defendant’s plea.

Their attorney, Mr. T.D. Ojeshino, appealed to the court for leniency in delivering justice.

“My lord, I plead the court to tamper justice with mercy as the defendants are first-time offenders.

“Some are breadwinners of their families and are still very young.

“They have been in custody since 2020 and have truly learnt their lessons,” he said.