Over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance Protesters Detained Across Nigeria, Amnesty International Demands Justice

Amnesty International reports that over 1,000 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations are currently in custody across Nigeria. These nationwide protests, which occurred from August 1–10 in response to economic hardship, have led to widespread arrests, especially in regions where the demonstrations turned violent.

The protests, advocating for reduced government spending, a return to the petrol subsidy, improved food security, and stricter fiscal policies, escalated into some instances of looting and vandalism. Consequently, law enforcement carried out extensive arrests.

Àmnesty International has condemned the handling of the protests, specifically criticizing the “unfair trial” of 441 protesters in Kano. The organization is calling on the Nigerian government to release all detainees immediately and to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

“The Nigerian authorities are intensifying their crackdown on peaceful protesters advocating against hunger and corruption,” Amnesty International stated. “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained and urge the government to protect these fundamental rights.”