In a recent development, a Lagos State Magistrate’s Court in Ogba has convicted six individuals who were arrested during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The convicts—Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka—were charged with causing a breach of peace by the Lagos State Government.
The Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, delivered the verdict after the defendants pleaded guilty to the one-count charge. The charge, which falls under section 168(d) of the Lagos State law of 2015, carries a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment or a fine of N15,000.
However, despite their conviction, the court ordered their release, citing the fact that they had already spent four years in custody—far exceeding the prescribed punishment for the offense.
During the court proceedings on Thursday, August 22, the prosecution, led by Dr. Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), amended the charge and requested that the defendants be asked to enter their pleas. After they pleaded guilty, Martins urged the court to impose the appropriate sentence.
The defense counsel, Tajudeen Ojeshino, pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that the convicts were first-time offenders, some of whom were young and the primary breadwinners for their families. He highlighted that they had already spent four years in detention and had learned their lessons.
Magistrate Osunsanmi, after confirming that the convicts fully understood the charges and potential consequences, decided to release them on the grounds that they had already served more time than the law prescribed. However, she sternly warned them to avoid any future involvement in criminal activities.
The release of these individuals marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for the six men, who have now regained their freedom after four years behind bars.
