The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has strongly condemned the ongoing prosecution of #EndBadGovernance protesters in Katsina State. The group has called on the state governor, Dikko Umar Radda, and the Commissioner of Police to immediately release all detained protesters and drop all charges against them.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Francis Nwapa, the National Secretary of YRC, criticised the actions of the state government and the police. He highlighted that the detained protesters had already appeared in court four times without their trial proceeding.
The protesters, who had been demanding an end to bad governance, are facing charges such as criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, rioting, and brigandage. Despite this, the YRC argues that the state is using the judicial process as a tool to continue delaying the case without any substantial progress.
Protesters Arrested, Held in Custody for Months
According to Nwapa, the ordeal of the detained protesters began on August 2, 2024, when Gaddafi Musa, one of the key mobilizers for the protest, was invited by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Funtua Local Government Area. He was arrested upon arrival and transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) custody in Katsina State’s capital.
There, Musa joined seven other protesters, including Kabir Shehu Yandaki, Habibu Mukhtar Ruma, Shuaibu Ibrahim, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Muhammad Umar, Kabir Umar, and Yahaya Adamu. These eight individuals were detained for several days at DSS facilities before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they remained for an additional four days.
After their detention, the protesters were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court 1 on charges related to their protest activities. They were then remanded in prison, where some spent up to 45 days before being granted bail.
More Arrests, Over 80 Protesters in Jail
Nwapa revealed that the detained protesters are not alone in their suffering. Over 80 other #EndBadGovernance protesters have been arrested across various parts of the state and thrown into prison. Some of these individuals were able to secure bail through their lawyers, but many remain behind bars, unable to meet bail conditions.
Among the protesters still in detention is Umar Mohammed, who, according to Nwapa, is one of the many victims of this crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
Threats and Intimidation Against Released Protesters
For those who were granted bail, their freedom has not come without its own set of challenges. Nwapa revealed that these individuals have been threatened with re-arrest if they participate in future protests. The government and police have reportedly warned them that their bail would be revoked if they were seen protesting again, especially during the October 1st protest.
Continuous Court Delays Spark Outrage
Despite the repeated court appearances, the protesters have yet to face trial. The latest court hearing, scheduled for December 10, 2024, was once again adjourned. The case is now set for another hearing in February 2025.
Many of the protesters have traveled long distances to attend court hearings, often struggling to afford transportation costs. This adds to their suffering, as they continue to face the threat of being locked up for demanding better governance.
YRC Demands Immediate Action
In response to the ongoing injustice, the Youth Rights Campaign has called for the immediate release of all detained protesters and the withdrawal of all charges against them. The YRC condemned the use of state power to persecute innocent Nigerians simply for voicing their opposition to bad governance.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of all charges against these protesters and the unconditional release of all still in detention,” Nwapa stated. He further stressed that the government’s actions represent an attempt to stifle the right to protest, a fundamental human right.
The YRC also called for a united struggle among young people and workers across the country to fight against the “anti-poor capitalist regime and policies” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Nwapa, the government’s crackdown on peaceful protesters is a reflection of the wider issue of bad governance in the country.
Katsina State Government Under Pressure
The ongoing situation in Katsina has drawn significant attention to the government’s handling of dissent. Critics argue that the state is using repressive tactics to suppress opposition and prevent the public from expressing their dissatisfaction with the current political leadership.
As the case continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see if the state will bow to pressure and release the detained protesters. For now, the fate of these individuals remains uncertain, and the demand for justice grows louder.
