Several state police commands in Northern Nigeria have commenced the prosecution of individuals arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which took place nationwide from August 1-10, 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the protests, initially peaceful in the South, turned violent in several northern states, resulting in loss of life, extensive property damage, and the imposition of curfews in at least five states.
Findings from The PUNCH, reveals that over 1,135 individuals arrested during the protests are set to face prosecution beginning Monday, August 12, 2024.
The protests were driven by widespread public discontent over the rising cost of living, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, surging inflation at a 28-year high, and economic policies that have led to the naira’s depreciation against the dollar.
Reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed and many others injured on the first day of the protests in cities including Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa. Amnesty International condemned the use of deadly force by security operatives, claiming that at least 21 protesters were killed.
In Yobe State, 108 individuals will be arraigned for various offenses, including violating curfew orders.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed that those facing charges will appear in court to either accept or contest the allegations.
“Monday, August 12, 2024 has been earmarked for the continuation of the case, where those facing charges will have the opportunity to either accept or contest the allegations.
“Should they choose to accept the charges, they will undergo a summary trial presided over by a judge at the Magistrate Court in Damaturu, Yobe State.”
In Kano, where the protests resulted in extensive property damage, 632 individuals have been charged with crimes including conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, and arson.
The Kano State Government has established three mobile courts within the premises of the State Police Command to handle the large number of cases, with hearings scheduled to resume on August 19.
Similarly, the Gombe State Police Command has charged 97 out of 111 arrested protesters, while 14 have been released due to health issues or being underage.
In Kaduna, 25 protesters, along with a tailor accused of sewing a Russian flag, have been remanded and will face additional charges this week. Over 50 protesters were arrested in Bauchi, with 45 already charged to court.
In Niger State, 23 individuals arrested during protests in Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas are set to be arraigned following ongoing investigations. The protests in these areas resulted in the deaths of six people and the partial burning of the Tafa LGA secretariat.
The Borno State Police Command also confirmed the arrest of 97 individuals in Maiduguri, including social media influencers and others accused of vandalism and theft.
While the FCT Police have not disclosed the number of arrests, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, report that over 50 protesters were detained in the Federal Capital Territory. Some have been released after being profiled.
Human rights activists and civil society organizations have condemned the prosecutions, arguing that the government’s actions violate the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
They have vowed to challenge the prosecutions in court and warned that any attempts to try the protesters could lead to further unrest.
