Over Seventy-six individuals connected with the #EndBadGovernance protests are scheduled for arraignment on November 1, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These protesters, many of whom are minors, have been in detention for almost 80 days, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice across the nation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which occurred from August 1 to August 10, 2024, saw thousands of Nigerians take to the streets, voicing their frustration over the country’s leadership, particularly regarding issues of corruption and poor governance.
The demonstrations quickly gained traction, drawing support from citizens who were disillusioned by the state of affairs in the country.
However, in the aftermath of the protests, 76 individuals were arrested and detained, with many of them being underage.
This prolonged detention has drawn considerable criticism from human rights organizations, activists, and concerned citizens alike, all of whom are calling for the immediate release of the detainees and accountability from the authorities responsible for their detention.
Deji Adeyanju, a prominent activist and the legal representative for the arrested protesters, provided details of the upcoming arraignment to Newsmen on Friday.
Adeyanju expressed serious concern over the government’s treatment of the protesters, particularly the minors, and the extended period they have been held without trial.
“The 76 protesters, mainly minors, are scheduled to be arraigned on the 1st of November, 2024, before Hon. Justice Egwuatu at Court 10, on the 4th floor of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division,” Adeyanju stated.
He went on to highlight the need for urgent intervention, emphasizing that the prolonged detention of the protesters is both unjust and a violation of their fundamental rights.
As the arraignment date approaches, the case has become a focal point for activists and legal experts alike, who are closely watching how the government will handle the matter.
Many fear that the situation could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of protesters and political dissent in Nigeria.
The #EndBadGovernance protests and the subsequent arrests have reignited conversations about the state of democracy in Nigeria and the rights of citizens to express dissent against their government.
With the fate of these 76 protesters hanging in the balance, there are growing calls for both justice and reform in the country’s legal and governance systems.
