Arson: Lagos to release 253 suspects, detains 92 others

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions has cleared and ordered the release of 253 of the persons arrested in connection with the mayhem unleashed on the state, including burning of public properties, in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), however, said 92 of the persons arrested would be prosecuted as there was a prima facie case against them.

A statement on Sunday by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Kayode Oyekanmi, quoted Onigbanjo to have stated that the case files forwarded to the DPP did not disclose any prima facie case against the 253 detainees, who were directed to be freed.

He explained that the police forwarded 40 case files to the DPP and legal advice was issued on them between November 4 and 5.

“The directorate has been able to dispatch legal advice in respect of 81 persons that are being charged to the various courts, while others will be dispatched to court on Monday, 9th November 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.

“In the meantime, two case files in respect of 16 persons have been advised for further investigation by the police,” the statement said.