SERAP and Amnesty International Call for the Release of 76 Detained Nigerian Protesters, Including Minors
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu to release 76 individuals detained following their participation in the August #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The groups criticized the ongoing detention of minors involved in the peaceful demonstrations, which voiced frustration over economic hardship and government actions.
In August 2024, Nigerian youths took to the streets to protest rising costs of living, hunger, and governance issues. Security forces arrested numerous protesters, leading to the arraignment of 76 individuals in court. During Friday’s proceedings, one minor reportedly collapsed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, sparking fresh outrage.
In response, SERAP issued a statement on its official social media platform, urging President Tinubu to release the protesters and dismiss the “treasonable felony” charges against them. “The Tinubu administration must unconditionally release the 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters and drop all charges of ‘treasonable felony’ against them, or face legal action. No one should ever be punished for the peaceful exercise of their human rights,” SERAP wrote.
SERAP further condemned the arrests, describing them as an attempt by the government to silence dissent, deny citizens their fundamental rights, and perpetuate a culture of impunity.
Amnesty International Nigeria echoed these concerns, denouncing the detention of minors and urging the Nigerian government to uphold both constitutional and international human rights, including freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Amnesty International condemns President Bola Tinubu’s government for the continued detention of minors who participated in the August #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The attempts to subject these minors to a sham trial over alleged ‘treason’ demonstrate the government’s utter disregard for the rule of law. Authorities must release them immediately and unconditionally,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
Both organizations continue to demand accountability from the Nigerian government, insisting that peaceful protesters should not face punishment for exercising their right to free expression.
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