EndSARS Victim Wasiu Rasheed Regains Freedom After Six Years in Prison
After enduring over five years behind bars, Wasiu Rasheed, a Lagos youth arrested as a teenager during the October 2020 EndSARS protests, has finally regained his freedom. A Lagos court discharged and acquitted Rasheed, now 23, bringing an end to a prolonged legal battle that began when he was just 17 years old.
Arrest and Prolonged Detention
Rasheed recounted his arrest on October 20, 2020, in front of his home in Zamura, a densely populated area of Lagos. Despite pleas from his mother and neighbors, security operatives detained him, alleging involvement in the protests. He was initially held at a military facility before being transferred to Kirikiri Correctional Centre, where he spent more than five years.
"If I had listened to my mother that day, I would not have fallen victim to the protest. She warned me to stay indoors, but I did not listen," Rasheed said in an interview with BBC Pidgin.
Life Inside Kirikiri Prison
Survival in Kirikiri prison, according to Rasheed, heavily depended on financial means. Inmates without support faced overcrowded cells, poor food, and limited medical care. He shared small rooms with dozens of others and resorted to washing clothes, running errands, and selling small items to earn money for basic needs.
Rasheed described the period as the most difficult of his life, with court appearances often stalling and offering little progress. He was charged with unlawful possession of firearms, a charge not directly linked to the EndSARS demonstrations, highlighting a common issue among many arrested during the protests.
Court Victory and Release
In 2026, Rasheed's case finally returned to court, where a judge struck out the charges, leading to his discharge and acquittal. The Take It Back Movement played a crucial role in securing his release by providing new legal representation. A representative confirmed that Rasheed regained his freedom on March 4, 2026.
Despite his release, Rasheed faces ongoing challenges. He has yet to locate his mother, who reportedly relocated after facing threats following his arrest, and fears her health may have deteriorated during his absence.
Rebuilding Life After Prison
Rasheed remains hopeful and determined to rebuild his life. He plans to return to tailoring and painting, skills he was learning before his arrest. "I have two hands and legs, I am ready to work," he stated, emphasizing his resilience.
This case sheds light on the broader issue of EndSARS protesters still in detention. Reports indicate that about 40 Nigerians arrested during the October 2020 protests remain held in prisons like Agodi Correctional Centre in Oyo state and Kirikiri Medium Security Prison in Lagos, often without trial, as highlighted by Amnesty International.
Rasheed's story underscores the long-lasting impacts of the EndSARS protests on individuals and families, calling attention to the need for justice and reform in Nigeria's legal and correctional systems.
