Metro

Police Release EndSARS Protesters Hours After Detention

Published

2 years ago

October 20, 2024

Editor

The Lagos State Police Command has released EndSARS protesters who were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, during a commemoration at the Lekki Toll Gate.

This was confirmed by the Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who announced their release via his official X page, stating that Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, personally oversaw the process.

Hundeyin wrote: “All protesters in our custody have been released. CP Olanrewaju Ishola was on the ground at the SCID to personally ensure this.”

The arrests occurred as protesters gathered to mark the fourth anniversary of the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll Gate shooting, where soldiers allegedly opened fire on peaceful protesters during the EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.

However, the reason for their arrest remains unclear, as Hundeyin did not respond to inquiries, and attempts to reach him resulted in ‘busy’ signals.

In a video viewed by Vanguard, some of the arrested protesters claimed they were beaten by police officers simply for assembling to honour the 2020 victims.

‘They beat us’

Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Spokesman for the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), also confirmed the release.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police visited Panti Police Station to facilitate the protesters’ release.

Soweto recounted: “We have just been released after the Commissioner of Police came to Panti police station, pleading hypocritically.

“The whole brutalisation, assault, and arrest occurred in his presence.”

He further alleged that many of the protesters were injured during the police assault.

“One comrade had blood gushing from his nose, while two others — a male and a female— were sexually molested. Another male comrade was stripped naked, and we had to tie his trousers with a rope to preserve his dignity,” he said.

Soweto described the experience as a violation of their rights, adding that the police’s actions on a day meant to commemorate a brutal massacre were intolerable.

“We want justice, and we won’t stop until we get it,” he stated, vowing that their fight against anti-poor policies would continue.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, also confirmed the protesters’ arrests in a tweet.

He said they were beaten before being transported in a Black Maria van to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba.

Additionally, an X user identified as Frednardo da Vinci shared a video showing the arrested protesters singing solidarity songs inside a moving vehicle, with one protester stating: “We have just been arrested at the Lekki Toll Gate where we marched to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the victims of EndSARS.”

We secured their release – Inibehe Effiong

Similarly, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong has argued that the 22 activists arrested this morning at the Lekki Toll Gate, were released after his discussion with Commissioner of Police.

Disclosing this on his official X Platform, he said: “We have secured the release of all the 22 activists who were arrested this morning at the Lekki Toll Gate while commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Lekki massacre.

“We had a discussion with the Commissioner of Police, who came over to the State CID in respect of the matter. The items seized from the protesters were also returned to them.”

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

11 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.