The Nigerian government has charged 10 individuals with treason following their participation in protests in August that called for improved governance. The charges, brought before the Abuja Federal High Court, accuse the defendants of demanding good governance, which the government has characterized as an act of treason. According to court documents obtained by SaharaReporters [https://saharareporters.com/2024/09/02/breaking-nigerian-govt-arraigns-charges-endbadgovernance-protesters-demanding-good](https://saharareporters.com/2024/09/02/breaking-nigerian-govt-arraigns-charges-endbadgovernance-protesters-demanding-good), the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Justice Emeka Nwite presided over the initial hearing, where the defendants emphasized their constitutionally protected right to peaceful assembly. This right is also supported by various human rights instruments, as noted by Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi [https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/nigeria-authorities-must-uphold-human-rights-ahead-of-planned-nationwide-protests/](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/nigeria-authorities-must-uphold-human-rights-ahead-of-planned-nationwide-protests/). Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticized the arrests on social media [https://x.com/InibeheEffiong/status/1830315573689122972](https://x.com/InibeheEffiong/status/1830315573689122972), calling it “a gross abuse of prosecutorial power by the Nigerian Police Force.” If convicted, the defendants could face the death penalty under Section 37 of Nigeria’s criminal code [https://jurist.ng/criminal_code_act/sec-37](https://jurist.ng/criminal_code_act/sec-37).
The protests, which began in early August, were a response to deteriorating economic conditions, such as rising unemployment and increased cost of living. Demonstrators took to the streets using the hashtag “EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” on X [https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/mass-protests-begin-in-nigeria-over-economic-hardship-food-crisis-/3292576](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/mass-protests-begin-in-nigeria-over-economic-hardship-food-crisis-/3292576), demanding government action. Although intended to last several days, the protests diminished following intervention by Nigerian security forces [https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-protests-fizzle-out-amid-deadly-police-crackdown-2024-08-05/](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-protests-fizzle-out-amid-deadly-police-crackdown-2024-08-05/).
In response to the protests, President Bola Tinubu emphasized his commitment to public order in an August 4 statement [https://x.com/officialABAT/status/1819997287990407401?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet](https://x.com/officialABAT/status/1819997287990407401?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet). He urged the protesters to suspend further actions and embrace dialogue, highlighting initiatives such as major infrastructure projects and reduced debt service aimed at improving living conditions within the country.
The defendants are expected to appear in court later this month to set a trial date.
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