By ABUJA, Nigeria — More than 1,400 individuals have been arrested and charged across 11 Nigerian states following the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, according to a survey conducted by local media. Many of these detainees are reportedly being held without bail or legal representation, raising concerns about due process.
The protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, were organized by youth groups to draw attention to economic hardships and hunger in the country. While demonstrations remained largely peaceful in some areas, including Abuja and Lagos, violence erupted in several northern states, leading to property damage and loss of life.
Police reports from various states indicate:
– Kano State recorded the highest number of arrests at 832, with 600 individuals charged to court without bail.
– Sokoto State reported 110 arrests, many of whom remain in correctional facilities.
– Borno State saw 97 arrests, including individuals accused of flying Russian flags.
– Other states with significant arrests include Katsina (90), Bauchi (60), Plateau (51), Yobe (51), Kaduna (50), Nasarawa (40), Niger (23), and Zamfara (19).
Charges against the protesters vary by state but generally include criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. In some cases, such as in Plateau State, suspects were charged with failing to comply with government orders.
Legal representation for the detained protesters appears to be limited. In Katsina State, lawyers from the Lawyers for Rule of Law and Human Rights group reported securing bail for 30 out of 64 protesters they represented. However, in many other states, there is no evidence of legal representation during arraignments.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had previously committed to providing legal aid to arrested protesters, has not been visibly present in many of the courts where arraignments took place.
Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, stated that while branches were mandated to provide assistance, most cases are ongoing and data has not been collated at the central NBA level.
Some arrests have drawn particular attention, including those accused of flying Russian flags in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina. These individuals, including a foreign national, have reportedly been transferred to Abuja for further investigation on charges of sedition.
The mass arrests and subsequent legal proceedings have raised questions about the handling of protesters and the potential for overcrowding in Nigeria’s prison system. With many cases adjourned for weeks or months, concerns are growing about prolonged pre-trial detention.
As the legal process unfolds, human rights organizations and legal experts are calling for transparency, due process, and adherence to constitutional rights for all detained individuals.
The aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests continues to unfold, with potential long-term implications for civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.
Credit: Vanguardngr.com
