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Over 1,400 protesters have been arrested across Northern Nigeria following the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, with many now languishing in prison as they await trial.
The protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, were driven by deep-seated frustrations over worsening economic conditions and perceived government indifference. For many in the North, joining the protests seemed like a final attempt to compel the government to address their grievances, but the resulting suppression has left them facing an uncertain future.
In Kano State alone, 832 suspects were arrested, with 600 of them being charged with rioting. Despite the legal requirement to arraign suspects within 48 hours of arrest, there is little evidence that many of the protesters had access to legal representation during their arraignment.
Kano’s Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, emphasized the professionalism of his officers in handling the protests, stating that
“The Kano State Police Command has worked diligently and professionally towards addressing the aftermath of the nationwide protests.”
However, for the hundreds of protesters now behind bars, the legal process has been anything but swift. In Katsina State, for instance, 120 protesters were arrested, but only 64 had legal representation, and bail was granted for just 30.
The situation is similar across other northern states. In Sokoto, 110 protesters remain in custody, with their trials delayed indefinitely.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, 51 protesters who pleaded guilty have had their cases adjourned until mid-September.
Many of those arrested are now classified as “prisoners awaiting trial,” a status that could keep them behind bars for months or even years without a formal conviction.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of the protesters.
Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Institute, has criticized the handling of the arrests and arraignments.
“The law mandates that suspects be arraigned within 48 hours of their arrest and that they have the right to legal representation. It is clear that these rights have been disregarded in many cases,” Obiagwu said.
The NBA has stepped in to provide legal assistance to some of the detained protesters, particularly those who were brutalized by security forces in Abuja.
The harsh response to the protests has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that the government’s approach is counterproductive.
The protesters, driven by hardship and the hope for change, saw the demonstrations as a chance to make their voices heard. Instead, their participation has led to mass arrests and prolonged detentions, deepening the sense of disillusionment.
With the government’s emphasis on maintaining order, there is a growing consensus that addressing the underlying issues driving the protests would be a more effective solution.
As Obiagwu noted, “Discipline and law enforcement are important, but they cannot replace dialogue and genuine efforts to address the root causes of the unrest.”
As the courts continue to deliberate on the fate of the detained protesters, the broader question remains: how will the government address the widespread discontent that fueled the #EndBadGovernance protests in the first place?
