Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has concluded plans to charge 92 persons to court over their alleged involvement in the burning of some properties in the state last month.
In October, some youths in the metropolis and across the nation kicked against police brutality through a protest that lasted almost two weeks.
The exercise, which was largely peaceful, was later hijacked by hoodlums and things got worse after some soldiers allegedly opened fire on some demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate.
This action triggered anger and led to the destruction of several public and private properties in Lagos.
During the protest and violent attacks, several persons were arrested by security operatives but the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, has directed the police to release about 253 persons arrested for criminal offences in connection to the #EndSARS protest in the state.
A statement released from the office of the Commissioner on Sunday said the persons should be set free by the police immediately for non-disclosure of a prima facie case against them.
Mr Onigbanjo said in the statement that the police forwarded 40 case files in respect of the 361 persons arrested for criminal offences in connection with the #EndSARS protests to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for Legal Advice between November 4 and 5, 2020.
“Legal Advice has been issued in respect of all the 40 case files received, and as at November 6, 2020, the directorate had been able to despatch Legal Advice in respect of 81 persons, who are being charged to the various courts, while others will be despatched to court on Monday, November 9, 2020.
“Out of the 361 persons, the 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,” the statement noted.
“In the meantime, two case files in respect of 16 persons have been advised for further investigation by the police,” the statement said further.
It further gave assurance “that the office of the Attorney-General of 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.”
