The Nigerian Federal Government has come under fire for what critics describe as “executive lawlessness” after filing treasonable felony charges against several protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. Senior legal practitioners and civil rights groups claim the charges aim to stifle dissent and discourage further protests against government policies that many believe have exacerbated the country’s economic hardships.
On Monday, no fewer than ten protesters were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The government accused them of attempting to intimidate President Bola Tinubu by allegedly attacking police officers, setting police stations ablaze, and vandalising public properties such as the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Kano printing press. The protests, which took place between August 1 and 10, were fuelled by public outcry over the removal of fuel subsidies, electricity tariff hikes, and the soaring cost of living.
Reports indicate that at least 17 people lost their lives during the demonstrations in several states, including Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna, as security forces clamped down on protestors. In total, over 1,100 people were arrested. Despite the grave charges, the defendants, who pleaded not guilty to all six counts, are drawing widespread support from civil society and the legal community.
Human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye condemned the treason charges, describing them as a sign of government “recklessness.” According to Ogunye, the administration’s decision to brand peaceful protests as attempts to overthrow the government reveals an alarming level of intolerance. He said, “Historically, every Nigerian administration since the colonial era has treated political opposition as criminal. Treason has become a cheap label, but these charges won’t hold in court.”
Legal luminaries echoed similar sentiments. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Isiaka Olagunju expressed doubt that prosecutors could substantiate the treason charges. Meanwhile, law lecturer Timothy Tugbiyele, who taught the current Attorney General, urged the government to reconsider the charges, insisting that protests cannot be equated with treason. “Demonstrating against bad governance and economic hardship cannot, under any reasonable interpretation, be classified as treasonable,” Tugbiyele argued.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) joined the chorus of opposition, accusing the government of shifting blame onto the protesters for the violence that marred the demonstrations. CDHR President Debo Adeniran stated that the charges were baseless, warning that security agencies were attempting to criminalise constitutionally protected actions.
As protests continue to stir tension across the country, civil society groups like the Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) are calling on President Tinubu to avoid further actions that might be perceived as oppressive. OCSC Secretary Emmanuel Olowu demanded that the government drop the charges and urged the judiciary to uphold constitutional rights.
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju described the charges as a direct attack on Nigerian democracy. “It’s an assault on our democratic rights. The judiciary must refuse to legitimise these unconstitutional actions,” he said, warning that a precedent of criminalising protests could have dire consequences for civil liberties in Nigeria.
For many, the case highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding fundamental freedoms in a country facing mounting economic challenges and widespread discontent.
