Today promises to be an interesting day as protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest are set to go on trial.
This trial is set to hold on Monday, September 2, in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence, Dasuki Galadanchi, disclosed this at the just-ended Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
According to the DIG, the 126 individuals apprehended for waving the Russian flag and advocating for a regime change during the protest will be charged to court today.
The protest, which spiraled into violence resulting in deaths and the looting of both public and private properties in various states, led to these arrests.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is set to lead a team of lawyers in defending the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These protesters were detained following a nationwide demonstration from August 1-10.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest was against the hardship attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and currency floatation.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters Charged With Treason
Going to court is not new.
However, things escalated when Nigerians found that these protesters are being charged with treason, an offense punishable by death.
As we speak the social media space is boiling with reactions.
The Nigerian government has come under heavy criticism.
Nigerians are demanding to know when protest became a crime.
“Or do citizens no longer have the right to protest?”, many cannot help but ask.
Here are some reactions:
David Hundeyin: “The Tinubu regime has just filed Treason charges against 10 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters arrested last month.
Treason carries the death sentence in Nigeria. We are in unprecedented territory.”
Omoyele Sowore: “The Tinubu fascist regime is starting a sham trial of #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria activists for treason, and these are the ridiculous charges.
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This is why we must solidify our plans and massively hit the streets for #FearlessINOctober. @officialABAT govt hasn’t learnt its lessons. #RevolutionNow”
Benkingsley Nwashara: “What are we doing about the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters that are being charged for treason. Or we just going to tweet about it and move on to the next topic.
This will set a very dangerous precedent if we keep quiet.”
Festus Ogun: “I am still in disbelief that the Tinubu regime has charged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters for treason.
Why should protest be considered a crime in a democratic society? When will this madness be put to an end?”
