Six men who were held in custody for nearly four years following their arrest during the 2000 #EndSARS demonstrations have been released by a Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ogba.
The individuals, known as Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka, were discharged by Magistrate Bolanle Osunsanmi on Thursday after being admonished.
Upon pleading guilty to a modified charge filed against them by the Lagos State Government, the defendants were granted freedom.
The charge, dated August 22, 2024, accused them of behaving in a manner that could lead to a disturbance of peace, a contravention under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the alleged incident occurred on November 23, 2020, at approximately 12 pm in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos.
Martins informed the court, “The defendants engaged in actions that had the potential to disrupt public order, which is an offense punishable under the state’s laws.”
The penalty for the offense of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, as per Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, specifies either three months’ imprisonment or a fine of N15,000.
The court has the discretion to impose the fine, imprisonment, or both, depending on the gravity of the case and other pertinent factors.
After entering their guilty pleas, Osunsanmi inquired whether the defendants comprehended the implications.
“Do you understand the consequences of your guilty plea and the court’s duty to apply the maximum penalty for this charge?” she queried.
The defendants confirmed their understanding and acceptance of the plea bargain terms outlined in the amended charge.
While the prosecution urged the court to abide by the plea agreement, the defense counsel, T.D. Ojeshina, implored the court for clemency.
“Your Honor, I respectfully request the court to exhibit leniency. These young men have no prior convictions and have already endured nearly four years in detention.
“Some of them are the sole providers for their families and have faced significant challenges. They have learned from their experience,” Ojeshina stated.
After weighing the arguments from both sides, Osunsanmi acknowledged the duration of detention already served by the defendants.
“Considering that these individuals have been imprisoned for close to four years, I find them culpable as charged but will release them given that they have already surpassed the stipulated punishment period,” she declared.
Prior to their release, the magistrate cautioned the six men, emphasizing the gravity of their actions and urging them to lead lawful lives moving forward.