A Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ogba has discharged six men arrested during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, after almost four years in prison.
The defendants pleaded guilty to a single amended charge and were cautioned by Magistrate Bolanle Osunsanmi.
The defendants – Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka – were accused of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, a violation under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
After entering their guilty pleas, the court asked if they understood the consequences. Defence counsel T.D. Ojeshina appealed for leniency, citing their status as first-time offenders who had already suffered greatly.
Magistrate Osunsanmi acknowledged the time already served and discharged the defendants, stating, “In light of the fact that these men have been in prison for nearly four years, I find them guilty as charged but will discharge them as they have already spent more than the required term of punishment.”
Before their release, the magistrate cautioned the six men, reminding them of the serious consequences of their actions and urging them to lead law-abiding lives in the future.
