#EndBadGovernance: Rights activists condemn 60-day detention of protesters

Seventy-five Nigerians, including 22 minors, have been detained by the police for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, with many denied basic needs such as food and water.

A Federal High Court in Abuja granted a 60-day extension to detain the protesters, including minors, pending investigations, a decision criticised by human rights activists.

The minors, aged 14 to 17, were arrested during the 10-day protests that ended on August 10, and have been held without trial or legal representation.

The police have accused the protesters of terrorism, treason, treasonable felonies, arson and related offences. 

However, human rights activists said these charges deny the detainees their fundamental rights.

According to Omoyele Sowore, leader of the #RevolutionNow Movement, the detention of minors is ‘horrendous’ and must be resisted by all. 

Sowore condemned government’s action, saying it was unbelievable that the protesters were accused of planning to overthrow the government with placards.

He stated: “Yes, a Federal High Court judge in Abuja secretly granted a 60-day detention order to the police against 75 peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters, accusing them of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felony under the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act. 

"Some of the protesters are aged 15 and 16. They accused them of planning to overthrow the government with placards, unbelievable. This is horrendous and must be resisted by all.”

Also reacting, human rights activist,  Francis Nwapa, raised concerns about the detainees’ welfare, revealing that activists, Michael Adaramoye and Mosiu Sodiq, who have been held for 21 days, were critically ill and require urgent medical attention. 

Nwapa alleged that the detainees were being subjected to torture and kept in deplorable conditions.

He stated: “Many of them have been 21 days in detention without trial. Tortured, handcuffed for days, and kept in deplorable conditions. Michael Adaramoye and Mosiu Sodiq are sick and require urgent medical care.”

Nwapa further condemned the government’s actions, stating: “The present administration has unleashed war on Nigerian citizens for demanding good governance. Michael Adaramoye and Mosiu Sodiq were abducted by security operatives.”