Body: In a powerful call for justice, activists are demanding the release of all political prisoners detained during the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration faces mounting pressure to dismiss charges against protesters arrested for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The unrest stems from a series of grievances plaguing Nigerians: skyrocketing school fees, unaffordable housing, soaring fuel prices, and policies perceived as detrimental to the average citizen.
On August 1, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to demand change. The demonstrations turned tragic as authorities responded with force, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities. Reports indicate that over 2,000 individuals were detained, with police allegedly using undue violence to quell the protests. Among those arrested were the “Abuja 11,” a group charged with treason and subjected to stringent bail conditions despite a lack of compelling evidence against them. Though the Abuja 11 have been released on bail, they continue to face legal battles, with their next court appearance set for November 8, 2024.
Additionally, 75 protesters from Kano, now known as the “Kano 75,” remain in Kuje Prison awaiting trial, which is slated for November 1. Observers point out that this crackdown on dissent mirrors the events of October 2020, during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, with some detainees still imprisoned without trial.
Socialist Labour, led by activists Dr. James Uanhoro and Dr. Izielen Agbon,
