#EndBadGovernance: Call for Immediate Release of Detained Protesters — Onaiyekan, Arewa Youths, CSOs

#EndBadGovernance: Call for Immediate Release of Detained Protesters — Onaiyekan, Arewa Youths, CSOs
#EndBadGovernance: Call for Immediate Release of Detained Protesters — Onaiyekan, Arewa Youths, CSOs

ABUJA— The Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, civil society organizations (CSOs), and Arewa youths have called for the swift release of protesters detained during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held from August 1 to 10, 2024. Rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has threatened legal action against the Federal Government if the protesters are not either arraigned or released by August 25.

Out of the 2,111 individuals arrested, 1,403 have been remanded in various prisons nationwide. Despite two previous failed attempts, 27 protesters are set to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja today, according to their lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasized that unarmed protesters are not the cause of Nigeria’s challenges, urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue and address the underlying issues causing the protests. He stated that the government’s role is to alleviate the suffering of its people, particularly the youth.

Falana echoed the call for immediate action, stressing that the continued detention without proper legal process violates the protesters’ fundamental rights. He warned that his group, Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), would seek legal recourse if the detained protesters are not released or arraigned by the specified date.

CSOs, including Transparency International (Nigeria) and Yiaga Africa, have also voiced concerns over the unlawful detention of the protesters, urging the government to uphold human rights and avoid further escalating tensions. The Joint Action Front (JAF) and the Arewa Youth Assembly have similarly demanded the unconditional release of the protesters, warning that continued detention could provoke further unrest.

The detained protesters have not been granted adequate legal representation, and some were reportedly arrested under dubious circumstances, including patients in hospitals and foreign students. Rights lawyer Temi Salami condemned the ongoing detentions as unconstitutional, likening them to the repressive tactics of the Abacha era.

As the situation unfolds, over 30 lawyers are expected to appear in court today to defend the protesters. The call for their immediate release continues to gain momentum, with advocates urging the government to act swiftly to prevent further civil unrest.

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