Police in several northern states of Nigeria have begun prosecuting 1,135 people arrested during a recent 10-day protest against the rising cost of living.
The protest, known as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, took place from August 1-10 and turned violent in the northern region, leading to significant loss of life and property damage.
The protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with government economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and surging inflation, which has hit a 28-year high. These issues, combined with the naira’s plummeting value against the dollar, have caused severe hardship for many Nigerians.
Arrests and Charges Across Northern States
In Yobe State, police arrested 108 people, including those who violated curfews imposed to curb the unrest. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, stated, “The apprehended suspects will be brought before the court to face charges related to their alleged involvement in the protests.” Many of the accused denied the charges during their initial arraignment on August 8, with further proceedings set for August 12.
Kano State saw the highest number of arrests, with 632 people detained for allegedly destroying property during the protests. A mobile court, presided over by three senior judicial officers, remanded the suspects and scheduled a hearing for August 19.
According to Salisu Tahir, the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions, the defendants are accused of vandalizing public and private property, including the Kano State Printing Press and the Nigerian Communications Commission. “The defendants broke into people’s shops and looted their goods,” Tahir informed the court.
In Gombe State, 14 of the 111 protesters arrested were released by a special court on grounds of ill health and being underage. The remaining 97 will face court proceedings on Tuesday and Thursday, according to defense counsel Saidu Muazu-Kumo.
Special Cases in Kaduna, Bauchi, and Katsina
The Kaduna State Police Command reported that 25 protesters arrested on the first day of the protest were remanded in a correctional facility. An additional 39 people, including a tailor who allegedly sewed a Russian flag, are also being charged. ASP Mansir Hassan, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed that the protesters had been promptly arraigned in court following their arrest.
In Bauchi State, over 50 protesters, including women, were arrested. The state commissioner of police, Auwal Mohammed, said the arrests were due to violent behavior and the lack of police permission for the demonstrations. “They were arrested for breaches of law and order,” Mohammed stated, adding that 45 protesters had already been charged, while minors among the arrested would receive counseling.
Katsina State Police Command charged 64 protesters to court last week, according to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the state’s police spokesperson.
Niger and Borno States Report Multiple Arrests
In Niger State, 23 protesters were arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Wasiu, revealed that various stolen items were recovered from the suspects, including office chairs, a laptop, and a generator.
In Borno State, 97 people were arrested during protests in Maiduguri. ASP Nahum Daso, the Command Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the arrested included social media influencers accused of inciting violence and displaying foreign flags. “They were arrested for vandalism and theft,” Daso stated, adding that a large number of stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
Response from Human Rights Activists
Human rights activists have condemned the arrests and trials of the protesters. Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, criticized the government’s actions, stating, “The Tinubu government has now outdone former President Buhari in the areas of rights violation, having nothing but hatred for freedom of expression, and free press.” He vowed to challenge the police in court and ensure the release of all those arrested during the protests.
Similarly, Omole Ibukun, Initiator of the Creative Change Centre, warned that any attempt to prosecute the protesters could lead to a resurgence of demonstrations. “Any attempt to try protesters will only mean a resumption of the protests very soon,” Ibukun said, noting that the violence during the protests was a reaction to the repression by security forces.
Uncertain Future
As the trials begin, the situation in northern Nigeria remains tense. Many are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold and whether they will lead to further unrest. The widespread discontent that fueled the protests shows no signs of abating, raising concerns about the potential for more violence in the future.