Wednesday, 06 November 2024 05:01

Court frees 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters after charges are dropped

Rate this item
(0 votes)

An Abuja court on Tuesday released 119 individuals, including minors, who had been detained in connection with anti-government protests earlier this year. The protesters had faced charges, including treason and inciting a military coup, following the widespread demonstrations against economic hardship in August. Some of the charges carried the death penalty.

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the treasonable charges after the federal government decided to withdraw them. The case had initially been set for a hearing in January but was fast-tracked after President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of all minors detained during the protests and instructed that charges against them be dropped.

“The case has been struck out and the 119 protesters have been released,” said Deji Adeyanju, the legal counsel representing the detainees. “Now, we are calling for their rehabilitation and compensation by their respective state governments.”

The decision to drop the charges was made by the Attorney General of the Federation, who assumed control of the case from the police. In his ruling, Obiora Egwuata noted that the Attorney General had the authority under Nigerian law to take over and discontinue criminal cases, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The protesters had been charged with a range of serious offenses, including attempting to destabilize the Nigerian government and inciting the military to take over from Tinubu. The charges also accused them of participating in violent protests, burning government buildings, and distributing anti-government materials. Some of the defendants were alleged to have worked with a British national, Andrew Martin Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich), to carry out the protests aimed at destabilizing the country.

Earlier this month, some of the accused collapsed in court shortly after the proceedings began, reportedly due to hunger and ill health, which led to a temporary suspension of the trial.

Prominent Nigerian human rights lawyers Femi Falana and Dantinin Kyari, representing the defendants, did not oppose the withdrawal of the charges, acknowledging the application was consistent with the Child Rights Act and the well-being of the accused.

Despite the legal victory, the protestors’ legal team continues to press for compensation and rehabilitation for those affected by the detentions. They are also calling for systemic reforms to prevent such instances in the future, citing the adverse impact on the accused’s lives, especially minors involved in the protests.

The decision to release the detainees and drop the charges signals a significant moment in the ongoing debate about freedom of expression and the right to protest in Nigeria, a country that has faced criticism for its handling of public demonstrations in recent years.

November 21, 2024

How small businesses can leverage dark social to drive word-of-mouth marketing

Key Takeaways Dark social refers to sharing online content through private communication channels like email,…
November 21, 2024

Northern leaders say won’t support Tinubu for re-election due to president’s incompetence, bad policies

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its decision to support northerners running for the…
November 18, 2024

The magic and the minefield of confidence: Self doubt, hubris and everything in between - The Economist

Confidence is contagious. Someone declaring a position with ringing certainty is more likely to inspire…
November 16, 2024

Influencer eats pig feed in extreme attempt to save money

Popular Douyin streamer Kong Yufeng recently sparked controversy in China by eating pig feed on…
November 21, 2024

50 terrorists killed as Boko Haram insurgents ambush security personnel guarding national grid in Niger…

At least 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed on Tuesday and seven members of Nigeria's…
November 21, 2024

What to know after Day 1001 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE US reopens Kyiv embassy after Ukraine firing of ATACMS missiles into Russia prompted…
November 21, 2024

Nigeria comes top in instant payment system inclusivity index in Africa

Nigeria’s instant payment system is projected to advance to the maturity inclusion spectrum ahead of…
October 27, 2024

Nigeria awarded 3-0 win over Libya after airport fiasco

Nigeria have been awarded a 3-0 victory over Libya, and three vital points, from their…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.