Citizens’ Gavel Urges Kano State Attorney General to Drop Charges Against 13 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech organization, has formally petitioned the Attorney General of Kano State, requesting the immediate dismissal of criminal charges against 13 individuals still detained following the #EndBadGovernance protests. These protests took place across Nigeria from August 1 to 10, 2024, advocating for improved governance and greater accountability.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Funmi Adedoyin, Legal Associate at Citizens’ Gavel, the organization called for urgent action to protect the detainees’ rights and well-being.

The organization revealed that its legal team recently visited Kano’s Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Correctional Centers and found that 13 protesters, including students, widows, and people with disabilities, are still being held. These individuals are reportedly enduring poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and malnutrition.

Although bail had been granted to the detainees, stringent conditions have made it impossible for them to be released. Citizens’ Gavel has requested that the Attorney General invoke Section 211(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for the discontinuation of charges through a nolle prosequi.

The petition argues that the charges, including serious offenses like treasonable felony and public disturbance, against peaceful protesters are inconsistent with democratic principles. These actions, it notes, infringe on the protesters’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.

“Prosecuting and detaining peaceful protesters not only violates their constitutional rights but also erodes public trust and encourages further repression,” said Funmi Adedoyin. “By dropping these charges, the Attorney General would be upholding the Constitution, reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice, and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.”

Citizens’ Gavel reiterated its commitment to supporting the detainees and advocating for their release, calling for swift action from the Attorney General to protect the welfare of these vulnerable individuals.