March 5, 2026 — SUNTV Global News
A Nigerian man who was arrested as a teenager during the nationwide #EndSARS protest demonstrations has regained his freedom after spending more than five years in detention over what rights advocates describe as baseless criminal charges.
The young man, who was just 17 years old when he was arrested in October 2020, had been held in custody following the mass protests that erupted across Nigeria against alleged police brutality linked to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
According to the civil rights organisation Tech4Justice, the teenager was wrongfully detained and prosecuted despite a lack of credible evidence to support the charges filed against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the organisation revealed that the young man was charged with serious offences, including unlawful possession of firearms with intent to commit robbery and unlawful wearing of armed forces uniform. However, his legal team maintained that the allegations were fabricated and never backed by any proof.
Rather than being treated as a minor exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest, the teenager was dragged into a prolonged legal battle that kept him behind bars for years.
The case was first brought before the Lagos State High Court in 2021, but proceedings were repeatedly delayed as prosecutors allegedly failed to present witnesses or provide evidence to substantiate the claims.
Tech4Justice explained that its Lagos-based legal team only became involved in the case in 2024 following the death of the young man’s former lawyer, Adeshina Ogunlana. The case was later referred to the organisation by the Take-It-Back Movement, a group known for its activism on civil rights issues.
Court records showed that despite the seriousness of the charges, the prosecution repeatedly failed to produce witnesses, leading to multiple adjournments that prolonged the teenager’s detention.
During the most recent hearing, Tech4Justice lawyers applied for the case to be struck out on the grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.
The court granted the request, bringing an end to the young man’s five-year legal ordeal.
Tech4Justice described the moment as emotional, saying their team was overwhelmed with relief as the young man finally walked out of the courtroom a free man and reunited with his family.
The organisation also pledged to continue advocating for justice for other detainees who may still be trapped in similar circumstances within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
“For him, and for countless others enduring Nigeria’s unjust justice system, we will continue to fight tirelessly,” the group said.
Rights activists say the case highlights lingering concerns about wrongful detention, delayed trials, and the treatment of young protesters during the 2020 demonstrations.
SUNTV Global News will continue to monitor developments surrounding justice reform and civil rights in Nigeria.
