Rasheed Wasiu, who was arrested at the age of 17 during the 2020 #EndSARS protests and spent six years in detention before regaining his freedom, narrated to The Punch correspondent his traumatic experience and how resilience kept him going.
When asked about his work at the time of his arrest, he said that in 2020 he had been a 17-year-old tailor and was now 23. He explained that he and a friend had been on their way to assist with a painting job when they encountered soldiers in Amukoko due to the protests and were forced to return home.
He added that after returning, his mother warned him not to go out again, but while he was standing outside with neighbours in Ajegunle, two plainclothes men arrested him despite his mother’s pleas and took him to Signal Barracks.
He stated that he was detained there for two weeks, during which his mother was initially allowed to bring him food but was later turned away and never saw him again. He noted that although they were fed, the food was poor and inmates were often beaten after meals. He said he was later transferred to Panti, where he spent two months, before being moved to Kirikiri Prison.
Speaking on the reason for his detention, he said he was not informed at the time, except for accusations linking him to the protests. He added that he later discovered he had been charged with unlawful possession of firearms alongside others he did not know.
He maintained that he had not participated in the protests, explaining that he had simply been outside his house when he was wrongly arrested, adding that many others were also picked up while returning from work.
Describing what the conditions were like at Kirikiri, he said, “It was extremely tough. There was no money to spend. Before my arrest, I could spend N2,000 in a day, but while in prison, N1,000 could last for three days. I learned how to manage. My faith was also strengthened as a Muslim, and I even learned some Christian songs.
“I learnt perseverance and contentment. On days I had nothing to sustain me, I never resorted to stealing. I trusted that by God’s grace, things might improve the next day.”
He described life in Kirikiri as harsh, adding that he only began to gain weight after regaining his freedom. He said the hygiene and living conditions were terrible, noting that some inmates attempted suicide, others became drug addicts, and many lost their mental stability. He expressed gratitude for his release. Read_More…