EndBadGovernance: Police to Commence Prosecution of Protesters

The various Northern State Police Commands have initiated the prosecution of arrested protesters during the 10-day #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Nationwide Protest. While the Protests remained largely Peaceful in the Southern Region, they escalated into violent confrontations in the North, resulting in the loss of several lives, widespread destruction of property worth billions of Naira, and the subsequent declaration of Curfews in no less than five States.

The Protests, which took place from August 1-10, were motivated by the rising cost of living, fueled by the removal of fuel subsidy, surging inflation at a 28-year High, and Governmental Economic Policies that depreciated the Naira to a record low against the US Dollar.

At least 17 Individuals were reportedly killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa, with several others sustaining injuries on the opening day of the protest. Amnesty International has condemned the use of deadly force against the protesters, accusing security operatives of killing at least 21 protesters. Protesters, some of whom were observed waving the Russian flag, were arrested in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Katsina, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Jigawa as the protests escalated into violent incidents.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that the arrested individuals will be duly prosecuted. The Yobe State Command has announced that they will arraign 108 individuals before the court, starting on Monday, August 12, 2024. These individuals were arrested for various offenses, including violating the imposed curfew during the hunger protest.

DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Yobe Command, stated that the arrested suspects will be brought before the court to face charges related to their alleged involvement in the protests. Many of the accused individuals, who were first arraigned on August 8th, have denied the charges against them, setting the stage for further legal proceedings on Monday (today).

Abdulkarim further added that Monday, August 12, 2024, has been designated for the continuation of the case. During this time, those facing charges will have the opportunity to either accept or contest the allegations. If they choose to accept the charges, they will undergo a summary trial presided over by a judge at the Magistrate Court in Damaturu, Yobe State.