Amnesty International has raised alarm over the detention of more than 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters across Nigeria, following the recent hunger protests that swept the nation earlier this month. The protests, which took place between August 1 and 10, were marked by violence in several states, with incidents of looting and vandalism reported.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on August 6 that law enforcement had apprehended individuals believed to be behind the unrest, accusing them of hoisting foreign flags and calling for a change of government in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara. These arrests were framed as part of a broader effort to maintain public order amidst the unrest.
However, Amnesty International has criticised the Nigerian authorities for what it describes as a severe crackdown on peaceful protesters. In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, the human rights organisation accused the government of suppressing legitimate dissent, noting that over 100 protesters have already been arraigned in court under questionable circumstances.
“The Nigerian authorities are escalating a crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption. Over 1,000 people have been remanded nationwide. Today 441 people were arraigned in Kano, in what is set out to be an unfair trial based on trumped-up charges,” the post from Amnesty International stated.
The organisation reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arrested for participating in the protests, asserting that Nigeria’s government is duty-bound to protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International’s condemnation adds to the growing concern over the Nigerian government’s response to the protests. The hunger protests, initially spurred by rising food prices and economic hardship, have now evolved into a broader movement against what many see as systemic corruption and governance failures. The heavy-handed approach by security forces, including the arrest and prosecution of protesters, has been widely criticised by domestic and international observers.
As the trials of the detained protesters proceed, Amnesty International and other human rights groups will be closely monitoring the situation, calling on the Nigerian government to respect its obligations under international law and ensure that the rights of its citizens are not trampled in the name of security.
