By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) has admonished the courts to as a matter of urgency release 253 persons arrested by the Police in connection with the #EndSARS protest in the state.
Onigbanjo said the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) had evaluated the temporary charges filed against them by the police and found no prima facie evidence that they committed any crime.
According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs in the Ministry of Justice, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, the Attorney-General explained that Police forwarded 40 case files in respect of 361 persons arrested in connection with the #EndSARS protests to the DPP for Legal Advice, between November 4 and 5, 2020.
Read also: From Nigeria To UK, US: #EndSARS Protests Spark Int’l Outrage [Video,Photos]
The state Attorney-General said: “Legal advice has been issued in respect of all the 40 case files received, and as at 6th November 2020, the Directorate has been able to despatch Legal Advice in respect of 81 persons that are being charged to the various courts, while others will be despatched to court on Monday, 9th November 2020.
“Out of the 361 persons, in Director of Public Prosecutions shall be prosecuting 92 persons for different offences ranging from arson, stealing, breaking into buildings, armed robbery and murder, while the office has advised that 253 persons be released forthwith for non-disclosure of a prima facie case.
“In the meantime, two case files in respect of 16 persons have been advised for further investigation by the Police”.
Onigbanjo assured the public that “the Office of the Attorney General, Lagos State will ensure that those arrested by the police are treated in accordance with due process of law, while it remains committed to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring peace and order in the State”.
Read also: #Victims of SARS: Lagos Panel Commences Sitting, Victim Recounts Ordeal!
Meanwhile, activists under the aegis of the Centre for Liberty (CL), called for the unconditional release of all #EndSARS protesters arrested across the country.
