The Arewa Consultative Forum has strongly condemned the ongoing trial of protesters involved in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, characterizing the proceedings as a “sham trial” and a “show of shame.”
The protests were sparked by escalating frustrations over economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and a perceived lack of responsiveness from the government.
The protesters, many of whom are reportedly minors, face severe charges of treason and other alleged offences.
The PUNCH reported that the bail has been set at an exorbitant ₦10 million each, paired with strict bail conditions—amounts which their families, often from modest means, cannot hope to afford.
This has left protesters languishing in detention for over three months, far beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit for holding individuals without charge.
The ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, pointed out that the trial exemplifies an abuse of the legal system to instill fear and suppress the right of Nigerians to peacefully protest and voice grievances.
The ACF perceives this legal action as a ploy to discourage future protests, viewing the detainees as victims of a flawed criminal justice system and excessive government bureaucracy.
In a statement released Sunday from Kaduna, Muhammad-Baba expressed that the treatment of the protesters is a severe overreach by authorities, undermining the rights of citizens during a time when the government ought to be focused on enhancing their quality of life.
He stated, “The ACF joins other Nigerians, along with national and international human rights groups, in strongly condemning this charade of a trial and the use of strong-arm tactics reminiscent of authoritarian and intolerant regimes.”
The ACF urged the Federal Government to immediately halt the detentions, drop all charges, and reunite the protesters with their families without harm.
The Northern organization also called for a thorough investigation into the prolonged detention of the demonstrators, with recommendations for financial compensation due to the undue and extended incarceration they have endured.
The group further advocated for medical and psychological support for the detainees to address any physical or mental health impacts arising from their ordeal.
The #EndBadGovernance protests occurred alongside local elections, adding a layer of urgency for the government to demonstrate its commitment to resolving citizen grievances.
The ACF underscored that these protests highlight a broader dissatisfaction among Nigerians, driven by skyrocketing inflation, a rise in fuel prices, and pervasive insecurity.
As Nigeria marks 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, public sentiment is increasingly strained, with many citizens questioning whether they are experiencing true governance or simply a form of “civil rule.”
Muhammad-Baba emphasized that it is crucial for the government to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance to address these underlying issues, which, if left unresolved, could further destabilize the nation’s political climate.
