The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has vehemently criticized the Federal Government’s prosecution of #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it a calculated move to silence dissent and intimidate citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights. This strong condemnation follows the arraignment of ten protesters on charges of treason and conspiracy, charges which HURIWA described as baseless and unjustified.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, ten protesters were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing a six-count charge that included allegations of treason, conspiracy to commit a felony, and incitement to mutiny. These charges, which are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code, also accused the protesters of attempting to destabilize Nigeria by allegedly attacking police officers, burning police stations, and destroying both government and private properties.

The protesters – Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi), Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello (aka Murtala), Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu – pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, was heard before Justice Emeka Nwite.

HURIWA, in a press statement released on Tuesday, criticized the government’s actions as an assault on democracy and a clear indication that the administration is hostile to the very concept of good governance. According to the association, many of the protesters were not engaged in any violent activity at the time of their arrest. Some were reportedly taken from their homes in the dead of night by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“This is not prosecution; it is persecution. The government is targeting citizens who are merely advocating for good governance – a fundamental right in any democracy. This action suggests that the government itself is against the principles of good governance,” HURIWA stated.

The human rights organization further argued that the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, is betraying the electorate who brought it into power, highlighting that over a year after being sworn in, the government has failed to implement policies that would stabilize the economy, address the falling value of the Naira, and ensure the availability of basic goods, including fuel. The association accused the government of failing to initiate constructive policies and projects that could institutionalize good governance.

“In a democracy, it is the government’s duty to listen to the voices of its citizens. Instead, this administration has resorted to silencing dissent through arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges. This is a show of shame,” HURIWA declared.

The association also took issue with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who has been vocal in accusing the protesters of plotting to overthrow the government. HURIWA questioned the competence of the police to make such allegations, arguing that coup plotting is within the purview of the military, not the police.

“What locus does the IGP have to accuse anyone of plotting a coup? Coup plotting is a military affair, and the police have no jurisdiction over such matters. The IGP is clearly overstepping his bounds and making a mockery of the justice system,” HURIWA asserted.

The rights organization also pointed to reports that IGP Egbetokun has recently been granted a controversial three-year tenure extension, despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. HURIWA suggested that the overzealous prosecution of the protesters might be a ploy by the IGP to curry favor with the presidency and secure his position. “What we are witnessing is not just a gross abuse of power but also a desperate attempt by a top police officer to retain his job at the expense of innocent Nigerian citizens,” the statement continued.

In light of these developments, HURIWA called for the immediate release of all detained protesters and urged the government to focus on addressing the systemic issues that sparked the protests in the first place, including corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement. “The government’s priority should be rescuing millions of Nigerians from the brink of starvation and economic collapse, not punishing citizens who dare to speak out against bad governance.

“This tenure extension is a blatant violation of the law. The IGP should be focusing on real security threats rather than framing innocent citizens with fabricated charges to secure his job,” HURIWA stated.

HURIWA echoed widespread condemnation from various civil society organizations, including the Amnesty International, which criticized the government’s actions, calling for the immediate release of all detained protesters. Amnesty International described the trial as a "sham" and a ”mockery of the rule of law,” urging the government to focus on addressing the root causes of the protests, such as corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement.

HURIWA joined these calls, urging the government to drop all charges against the protesters and to respect the fundamental human rights of its citizens. The association also called for the immediate resignation of IGP Egbetokun and the appointment of a more competent police chief.

“The real coup plotters are those within the government who have failed to tackle terrorism, kidnappings, and other security challenges. The arrest and trial of these young Nigerians are nothing more than a diversion from the government’s failures,” HURIWA concluded.

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