Nationwide Trial of #EndBadGovernance Protesters Sparks Outrage as Amnesty International Condemns Move

Protesters is set to commence today in several major Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno. This development, revealed by Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Intelligence, Dasuki Galadanchi, marks a significant escalation in the government’s response to the nationwide protests that rocked the country in August 2024.

During the recently concluded Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Galadanchi announced that 126 suspects, who were arrested during the protests for waving Russian flags and calling for regime change, would be arraigned in court today. The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent, leading to deaths and the looting of both private and public properties in several states.

The legal defense for these protesters will be led by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who, along with other legal professionals, will represent the accused before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This trial has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from Amnesty International Nigeria, which has described it as a “mockery of justice and rule of law.”

Amnesty International has voiced its concern over the mass trial, stating that it is deeply troubled by the government’s intent to suppress dissent and punish those who exercised their right to peaceful assembly. According to Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the ongoing trials represent an attempt by the government to silence protesters who were merely demanding better governance.

Sanusi also highlighted the disparity in the government’s response, noting that while the authorities have been quick to detain and prosecute protesters, they have been largely silent on the need to investigate the deaths of several protesters and other human rights violations by security forces in states like Kano, Katsina, and Maiduguri.

In a related development, some of the detained protesters have petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to lift the order allowing their detention for 60 days. The protesters argue that their right to protest is constitutionally protected and that their ongoing detention is a violation of their fundamental human rights.

The court’s decision to remand the protesters was based on applications filed by the Inspector-General of Police under various legal provisions, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The charges against the protesters range from terrorism to treason and arson.

As the trial begins, the nation watches closely, with human rights advocates, legal experts, and the international community raising concerns about the implications for freedom of speech and assembly in Nigeria. The outcome of this trial could set a significant precedent for how protests and dissent are handled in the country going forward.