Two years ago, 57 innocent men were unlawfully arrested by the Nigerian Police at a birthday in Lagos. Since then, they have been harassed, blackmailed and denied their right to a fair hearing. The Initiative for Equal Rights has been actively pursuing the case and has provided a full timeline of events on the case since 2018. Two years after the arrest, the organisation is leading a call alongside activists in the country, to demand that the case against them dismissed for the lack of evidence.
Throughout the course of this case, the young men have suffered many irreversible losses including loss of employment, forceful evictions from their homes, discrimination by neighbours, employers, friends, colleagues, and estrangement from their families.
Many of them travel long distances to honour court appearances incurring debts from travel costs. The case has also taken a mental toll on most of them, with many of them reporting that they struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
The police are yet to present evidence in court that backs their multiple charges. The lives, reputations, and livelihood of these 57 men have been irreparably damaged.
To be a part of the campaign, download the materials here or here and share them using the hashtag #AcquitThe57 tagging @tiersnigeria on any platform.
