Over 1,000 protesters detained – Amnesty
International has raised concerns over the detention of more than 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters across Nigeria, following a series of demonstrations against hunger and hardship that turned violent in some states, particularly in the north. The protests, which took place from August 1-10, saw incidents of violence, looting, and the hoisting of foreign flags by some participants.
In a statement shared on its X handle, Amnesty International accused Nigerian authorities of escalating the crackdown on peaceful protesters by arraigning over 1,000 individuals in court. The human rights organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained, urging the government to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The protests escalated in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, leading to the arrest of several protest sponsors, including seven Polish citizens, who were allegedly linked to the violent demonstrations. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed these arrests and the ongoing efforts to restore order.
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Amnesty International has condemned the government’s response, highlighting the arraignment of 441 protesters in Kano and describing the trial as unfair and based on trumped-up charges. The organization reiterated its demand for the protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and expression.
