#EndSARS Massacre 4th Anniversary – Immediately Free Soweto and 21 Others Arrested For Marking Bloody Event

UPDATE October 10 – All 22 released but were brutalised while detained

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) condemns the arrest of Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Spokesperson of the YRC, and 21 others by the Police this morning at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, over a peaceful protest to mark the 4th anniversary of #EndSARS killings. We demand their immediate and unconditional release. We understand that they are presently detained at SCID Panti Yaba.

Those arrested are:

(1) Hassan Taiwo Soweto

(2) Ilesanmi kehinde

(3) Uadiale Kingsley

(4) Osopale Adeseye T.

(5) Olamilekan Sanusi

(6) Osugba Blessing

(7) kayode Anaheim

(8) Michael Adedeji

(9) Jennifer Rita Obiora

(10) Orunsolu Oluremi (Renyte Goonz)

(11) Prof Seyi Akinde

(12) Akin Okunowon Aluta

(13) Ugochukwu Prince

(14) Aishat Omolara

(15) Thomas Abiodun Olamide

(16) Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald

(17) Aghedo Kehinde Stephen

(18) Duroorike Olawale

(19) Isaac Obasi

(20) Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi

(21) Gideon Adeyeni

(22) Afeez Suleiman

The protesters had demanded the release of all #EndSARS protesters still in detention after four years. They also demanded the immediate implementation of the report of the Judicial Panel which includes adequate compensation of the victims of #EndSARS.

This arrest is a continuation of brutal repression which has been the standard response of Bola Tinubu government against dissent and peaceful protest. We call on labour movement, civil society organisations and youth groups not to be intimidated but be prepared to mobilise mass resistance against democratic attacks by Tinubu government as well as its anti-poor neo- liberal policies.

We also demand the immediate release of all still in detention in connection with #EndBadGovernance protest accords the country and dropping of the trumped charges against Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 others

Francis Nwapa

National Secretary

YRC

Email: [email protected]