Prosecution of Over 1,000 Arrested #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters Begins Across Northern States Amid Rights Violations Criticism

  T he prosecution of arrested protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests has begun in several northern states. The protests, sparked by the rising cost of living due to the removal of fuel subsidies, surging inflation, and unfavorable economic policies, were mostly peaceful in the South but turned violent in the North, leading to significant property damage, loss of lives, and curfews in five states.

At least 1,135 protesters have been slated for trial, with charges ranging from criminal conspiracy and theft to unlawful assembly and inciting disturbance. In Kano, 632 individuals are facing charges for vandalism, while in Yobe, 108 people will be arraigned for curfew violations. Similar prosecutions are occurring in Gombe, where 97 protesters remain in custody, and Kaduna, where 64 protesters have already been charged.

The protests resulted in at least 17 deaths on the first day, with Amnesty International condemning the excessive use of force by security operatives. Human rights activists have criticized the trials, asserting that the government's actions violate freedom of expression and threaten to reignite protests if they continue.