In a surprise ruling, an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday discharged and acquitted six men charged with breach of public peace during the 2020 #EndSARS protest.
The defendants, Daniel Joyinbo, Adigun Sodiq, Kehinde Shola, Salaudeen Kamilu, Sodiq Usseni, and Azeez Isiaka, had pleaded guilty to the charge in a plea bargain agreement. However, instead of sentencing them, Magistrate Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi cautioned and discharged them, citing their almost four years in custody.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, had urged the court to sentence the defendants based on their plea, but the Magistrate’s decision took into account their prolonged detention.
The defendants were arrested on November 23, 2020, at Ebutte Metta, Lagos, for conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace, contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Their release brings an end to a four-year ordeal, and highlights the need for swift justice in Nigeria’s legal system.
Their legal representative, Mr T.D Ojeshino, pleaded to the court to tamper justice with mercy.
““My lord, I plead the court to tamper justice with mercy as the defendants are first time offenders.
“Some are bread winners of their families and still very young.
“They have been in custody since 2020 and have truly learnt their lessons,” he said. (NAN)
