Federal Government dey prepare to arraign 76 protesters wey participate for #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria. Dem go bring dem before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024.
The protesters, wey include 32 minors between de ages of 14 and 17, were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano during de protests from August 1 to 10, 2024. De protests were sparked by widespread economic hardship and many Nigerians take to de streets to express their grievances.
Security officials reportedly use tear gas, arrest, and in some cases, shoot at protesters during dis period. De protesters are facing a 10-count charge including intent to destabilize Nigeria, treasonable felony, treason, and disturbance of public peace, among others.
De charge sheet, wey be marked FHC/ABJ/CS/503/2024, accuse dem of conspiring together to commit felony to wit: Treason and inciting mutiny by calling on de military to take over government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Dem also accuse dem of carrying Russian Flags and chanting violent songs, and of destroying public properties like de National Communication Commission Office.
Critics, including activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju and international human rights groups like Amnesty International, have condemned de government’s response to de protests, saying it is an attempt to silence dissent and criminalize peaceful assembly. Dem are calling on de government to drop all charges and release de protesters immediately.
De arraignment of these 76 individuals, especially de 66 minors, raise questions about Nigeria’s legal framework concerning de rights of minors and de ethical implications of prosecuting young people for participating in peaceful protests.
