Over 2,000 Protesters Arrested During 10-Day #EndBadGovernance Protests Across Nigeria

During the 10-day nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests from August 1st to August 10th, a staggering 2,111 protesters were taken into custody across various states in Nigeria, according to human rights advocate Femi Falana, SAN.

Of these, 1,403 have already been covertly arraigned in different courts without legal representation, leading to many being remanded in prison custody.

Despite assurances from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to provide legal defense for the suspects, the absence of timely legal counsel resulted in their continued detention. Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), strongly condemned the government’s actions in a statement titled “HALT THE CLAMPDOWN ON PROTESTERS.” He criticized the authorities for violating the protesters’ fundamental right to a fair trial by failing to ensure legal representation.

Falana also revealed the arrest of seven Polish students, participating in an exchange program at Bayero University in Kano, for taking pictures during the protests. These students now face potential espionage charges as authorities seek to frame the protests as being influenced by foreign interests.

In his statement, Falana urged the government to provide adequate notice to the NBA and family members of the detained protesters before any court appearances, ensuring proper defense arrangements are made.

The breakdown of the arrests shows that Kano recorded the highest number of detained protesters, with 873 individuals taken into custody. Other states saw significant arrests as well, including 403 in Jigawa, 120 in Katsina, and 111 in Gombe.

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Falana also noted the discriminatory treatment of the protesters, highlighting how politically exposed individuals accused of embezzling billions of Naira are often granted bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment, while protesters are detained without notice or legal aid. In one specific case, 783 suspects were arrested in Kano for allegedly participating in the protest by flying the Russian flag. Among those arrested was a tailor who had been sewing the flag at the time.

Falana emphasized that it would be difficult to prosecute these suspects in a country where hotels and churches frequently fly foreign flags, and he called for an end to the unjust treatment of the protesters.

The situation continues to draw concern from human rights groups and legal advocates across Nigeria as they push for fair treatment and justice for those detained during the #EndBadGovernance movement.