This weekend, the Department of State Services (DSS) released two #EndBadGovernance protesters who had been detained in Kaduna. Despite this development, at least 125 protesters remain in custody across the country, including 38 individuals remanded by Justice Emeka Nwite in Abuja. These protesters, who have been detained for over 62 days, are expected to appear before the court for further hearings regarding their bail.
Deji Adeyanju, the counsel representing the detained protesters, raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the judicial process. He pointed out inconsistencies in how protest-related cases are being handled, highlighting that despite claims by the authorities of filing charges, his legal team has yet to receive any official documents.
Adeyanju contrasted the situation in Abuja with other regions, noting that in Kano, most of the 873 detained protesters have been released through collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He also mentioned recent progress in Sokoto, where two more protesters were freed, bringing hope to the region.
However, Adeyanju emphasised that around 125 protesters are still in custody nationwide, including the 38 in Abuja and ten others facing treason charges. “We are currently working on the cases of around 38 or 39 protesters who have been remanded by Justice Nwite in Abuja for 62 days.
The authorities claim to have filed charges, but we have not yet been served any documents. This lack of transparency is our main challenge. In Kano, most of the 873 protesters have been released due to our collaboration with the NBA. We’ve also made some progress in Sokoto. However, I am unsure of the status in other states but will provide updates soon.”
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which erupted due to growing economic hardship and widespread hunger across Nigeria, led to nationwide arrests and casualties when some demonstrations turned violent. While there has been progress in securing the release of some protesters, the prolonged detention of many others highlights the ongoing challenges facing the movement.
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