Publication

The office of the Attorney General of the Federation recently charged ten protesters who were arrested during the #Endbadgovernance# protest to court for the offense of treason, amongst other offenses.

As reported by Human Rights Watch, all 124 protesters, including children aged 14 to 17 years old, were transferred from police custody to correctional or youth detention centers following an August 24 court order to hold them for 60 days until the investigation is concluded and charges brought against them.

The move by the Nigerian authorities is highly condemnable as it is inconsistent with the constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of assembly and, by extension, the right to peaceful protest. The charges brought against these protesters are unfolding, and this conduct continues to portray the Nigerian government as undemocratic. 

From the get-go of the #EndBadGovernance# protest, the Nigerian government, through its different agencies and security forces, has carried out an act that violates human rights and undermines even the sanctity of life as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The police had no business arresting innocent protesters except because the protesters were violent and a threat to lives and properties.

Secondly, the court's order that the Protesters be detained for 60 days until the investigation is concluded and charges are brought against them is contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which states that the period of remand should not exceed 14 days.

The prosecution of protesters in Nigeria for the offense of treason is a wake-up call for citizens, human rights organizations, and also the international community to demand reform. The Nigerian government must uphold its constitutional obligations and respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression
It is pertinent for the government to listen to the grievances of its people and address the critical issues facing the country, rather than silencing those who dare to speak.