Rasheed Wasiu, a participant in the 2020 #EndSARS protest, has regained his freedom after spending nearly six years in detention.
His release was confirmed by the Take It Back Movement, a Lagos-based advocacy group, after a Lagos court struck out the case against him on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The announcement was made by the group’s Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
According to the organisation, the court’s decision ended Wasiu’s long period in custody following his arrest during the nationwide demonstrations that took place in October 2020.
The #EndSARS protest began in October 2020 when thousands of Nigerian youths took to the streets across the country to protest against police brutality, particularly the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The demonstrations spread across several states and attracted large crowds demanding reforms in policing and justice for victims of abuse.
During the protests, some areas witnessed confrontations, arrests and reports of human rights violations. Several individuals were detained in connection with the demonstrations, leading to legal battles and campaigns by activists and civil society organisations seeking their release.
The Take It Back Movement explained that Wasiu’s case was dismissed by the court, which made it possible for him to regain his freedom after years of detention.
The organisation described the development as progress in its continued efforts to secure justice for those arrested during the protests.
The group also stated that its campaign, which included advocacy, legal actions and public awareness efforts, had earlier led to the release of several other individuals connected to the protest.
Those previously freed include Sunday Okoro, Olumide Fatai, Oluwole Yisa, Daniel Joyibo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni and Azeez Isiaka.
In addition, the advocacy group acknowledged the role of a lawyer identified as Barrister Taiwo of Citizens Gavel, who later took over Wasiu’s legal representation. The lawyer stepped in after the death of human rights advocate Adeshina Ogunlana, who had previously handled the case.
The organisation also recognised the efforts made earlier by the late Ogunlana, stating that his involvement and work on the case laid the groundwork that later contributed to the outcome achieved in court.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of injustice and continuing its efforts to ensure accountability by institutions while pursuing justice for people affected by the events surrounding the #EndSARS protest.