In a statement made on June 12, 2024, Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani challenged president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the remaining EndSARS protesters still being detained.
“Any young protester in Nigeria today learnt from you,” said Senator Sani. “You are the father of protesters in Nigeria.”
The EndSARS protests, which took place in 2020, were a series of demonstrations against police brutality and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit. The protests resulted in a violent crackdown by Nigerian security forces, with dozens killed and many more arrested.
While the EndSARS movement ultimately led to the disbandment of SARS, some protesters have remained imprisoned on charges related to the demonstrations. Senator Sani argued that Tinubu, as a prominent political figure who has faced his own protest movements in the past, should pardon and release the remaining detained protesters.
“Tinubu understands the psychology of protests and agitations,” said Sani. “As he prepares to lead the country, he should show compassion and statesmanship by ensuring the freedom of the EndSARS protesters still in detention.”
The calls for Tinubu to address the lingering EndSARS cases come as he prepares to be sworn in as Nigeria’s next president on May 29, 2023. Tinubu has not yet publicly commented on Senator Sani’s statement or the status of the remaining EndSARS detainees.