I Spent Eight Months in Kirikiri After Joining the #EndSARS Protests

I joined the #EndSARS protest in Ojo, Lagos, in October 2020 because I had experienced harassment by SARS officers. Nine days after the protest, I was arrested, beaten and accused of coordinating the demonstrations. I was later charged with armed robbery, arson and rioting, charges I said I did not understand and had no lawyer to challenge at the time. I was moved from Ojo Police Station to Panti and then Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre. I was recovering from surgery when I was arrested, but I said I was denied proper medical care and faced harsh conditions in custody. My family could not reach me for months, while I lost my barbershop, home, bank access and other investments. My lawyer later told me the charges had been changed to unlawful gathering, and the case was eventually dismissed. Since leaving prison, I have struggled with trauma and have relocated to Rivers State to rebuild my life. Six years after the protests, I say I have received no compensation, apology or accountability despite testifying before an #EndSARS investigation panel. I am learning truck driving as I continue trying to move forward.

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