Lawyers And CSOs Criticize FG Over Treason Charges Against Protesters

Lawyers And CSOs Criticize FG Over Treason Charges Against Protesters

The Federal Government of Nigeria is facing accusations of “executive lawlessness” following the decision to charge several #EndBadGovernance protesters with treasonable felonies. Legal experts and civil society groups argue that these charges aim to deter Nigerians from protesting against government policies, despite the severe impact of those policies on citizens…….CONTINUE READING 

On Monday, 10 protesters from Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at a Federal High Court in Abuja. They face accusations of attempting to undermine the state, including attacking police officers, burning police stations, and damaging other properties during protests held between August 1 and 10.

The protests, driven by public outrage over fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, and rising living costs, reportedly resulted in at least 17 deaths and numerous injuries. Over 1,100 individuals were arrested during the unrest.

The charged protesters have pleaded not guilty to the six counts against them. Prominent legal practitioners criticize the government’s actions, warning that labeling dissent as treason undermines democratic principles. Human rights lawyer Jiti Ogunye condemned the charges as both reckless and futile, emphasizing that such accusations against protesters are historically unsuccessful and undermine freedom of expression.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Isiaka Olagunju questioned the evidence against the accused, while Timothy Tugbiyele, a legal scholar, argued that protests should not be classified as treasonable. He urged the Attorney General to withdraw the charges.

Yusuf Ali, another Senior Advocate, acknowledged that while violent protests are unacceptable, peaceful demonstrations are constitutionally protected. Monday Ubani, a former Chairman of the Section on Public Interest of the Nigerian Bar Association, asserted that the court would likely acquit the protesters unless the government presents compelling evidence.

Civil society organizations, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and figures such as Prof. Chris Nwaokobia and Deji Adeyanju, have also condemned the charges. They argue that the accusations violate constitutional rights and amount to an overreach by the government.

The Osun Civil Societies Coalition has called for the immediate withdrawal of the charges, describing them as an act of tyranny. The general sentiment among critics is that the government’s actions represent a troubling trend towards criminalizing dissent and suppressing democratic freedoms.