Senator Shehu Sani has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to pardon the protesters detained over the viral EndSARS protests in 2020. During a Democracy Day dinner held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12, Sani urged Tinubu, whom he described as the “father of protest,” to grant freedom to these individuals.
He stated, “Mr President, there are some people who are in detention as a result of the EndSARS protest. They were young people who were protesting for justice, for freedom, and for democracy. Any young protester in Nigeria today learned from you. Because you are the father of protest in Nigeria. Do something about it; give them freedom. You taught us; you funded us to stand up and fight. So they are your children and your grandchildren. Give them the pardon.”
The EndSARS protests in 2020 saw Nigerian youths taking to the streets to agitate against police brutality and poor conditions in the country. However, the protests led to several incidents where police stations and officers were harmed, resulting in numerous arrests. While some detainees have been released, many are still believed to be held in various police stations.