By Ife Osemedua
…92 to be tried for arson, stealing, murder, others
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, has directed that 253 persons arrested by the Police for criminal offences in connection to the #EndSARS protests in Lagos State should be released immediately.
A statement released on Sunday by the attorney general’s office explained that the Nigeria 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 4th and 5th of November, 2020.
The statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Kayode Oyekanmi, added, “Legal Advice has been issued in respect of all the 40 case files received, and as at 6th November 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, 9th November 2020.”
It disclosed that of the 361 persons, 92 persons will be prosecuted for different offences ranging from arson, stealing, breaking into buildings, armed robbery and murder, while 253 persons were recommended to 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”, the statement said.
“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,” it added.