ABUJA, Nigeria — More than 1,000 protesters are in custody across Nigeria following recent demonstrations against hunger and bad governance, Amnesty International said Friday.
The protests, held between August 1 and 10, turned violent in some areas, with reports of looting and vandalism in several states.
Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian government’s response, stating, “The Nigerian authorities are escalating crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption.”
The human rights organization reported that 441 people were arraigned in Kano on Friday, describing it as “an unfair trial based on trumped up charges.” Amnesty called for “an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.”
On Monday, the Kano State Police Command reported the arrest of 873 suspects for various criminal offenses. In Borno, 97 individuals were arrested in connection with violent protests.
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on August 6 that police had arrested some of the “real sponsors” of rioters. These individuals allegedly hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government in states including Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
Amnesty International emphasized that the Nigerian government has an obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The mass arrests follow demonstrations that began as peaceful protests against economic hardship and alleged government corruption but escalated into violence in some areas.
