Rasheed Wasiu, now 23, spent over five years in a Nigerian prison awaiting trial for a crime he maintains he did not commit. Arrested at 17 during the End Sars protests in Lagos, Wasiu was initially detained for alleged looting but later faced charges of "unlawful possession of firearms." His case was eventually dismissed due to a lack of evidence after nearly six years.
Describing his prison experience as "hell," Wasiu highlighted severe overcrowding, inadequate food, and poor healthcare, noting that access to better conditions was dependent on having money. His mother had urged him to stay home during the protests, but he ventured out and was apprehended by a local vigilante group.
After his release, facilitated by the advocacy group Take It Back Movement, Wasiu discovered his mother had disappeared. Neighbours reported she left the area fearing arrest herself. He is now living with his uncle and actively searching for his mother, while also hoping to rebuild his life and find employment after losing years of training as a tailor.
Nigeria's prison authorities report that approximately 50,000 individuals are awaiting trial, constituting 64% of the total prison population. Human rights groups state that such prolonged detentions without conviction are not uncommon.