This past weekend, the Department of State Services (DSS) released two protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement who had been detained in Kaduna. However, reports indicate that approximately 125 protesters remain in custody across Nigeria, including 38 individuals remanded by Justice Emeka Nwite in Abuja.
Ongoing Detention and Legal Proceedings
The detained protesters have been in custody for over 62 days, with a court hearing scheduled for the 38 individuals in Abuja to discuss their bail. While authorities claim that charges have been filed against these protesters, Deji Adeyanju, their legal counsel, expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency in the judicial process, stating that their legal team has not received any official documents pertaining to the charges.
Context of Protests
Nationwide, more than 1,000 protesters were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, which have highlighted dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government’s handling of various issues. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has played a crucial role in securing the release of many protesters, particularly in Kano, where 873 individuals were released due to collaborative efforts between the NBA and legal representatives.
Current Legal Status
Adeyanju shared updates on the status of the detained protesters:
- Approximately 125 protesters remain in custody, including the 38 in Abuja and 10 facing treason charges.
- Efforts are ongoing in Sokoto, where two protesters have recently been released.
He noted, “We are currently working on the cases of about 38 or 39 #EndBadGovernance protesters, who have been remanded by Justice Nwite in Abuja for 62 days. Their remand is set to end today (Monday).”
Call for Transparency
Adeyanju’s comments underscore a broader concern regarding the inconsistent handling of protest-related cases across Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity and fairness in the judicial process for those involved in peaceful protests.
As the situation continues to evolve, the plight of the detained protesters remains a significant issue, with ongoing legal efforts to secure their release. The broader implications of the #EndBadGovernance protests reflect a growing call for accountability and transparency from the Nigerian government.