Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has disclosed that more than 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters are currently held in prison facilities across the country in the aftermath of the recent hunger demonstrations.
The protests, occurring from August 1 to 10, took a violent turn in certain regions, leading to instances of looting and destruction in multiple states.
On August 6, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, declared the arrest of some of the alleged sponsors of the rioters who displayed foreign flags and demanded a change in government within states like Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
Nonetheless, in a statement released on Friday through its official channels, the organization condemned the Nigerian government for intensifying its crackdown on peaceful demonstrators by prosecuting over 100 protesters in court.
It reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
The statement emphasized, “The authorities in Nigeria continue to escalate their suppression of peaceful protesters advocating against hunger and corruption. With over 1,000 detainees nationwide, 441 individuals were arraigned in Kano today under what appears to be an unjust trial based on fabricated accusations.
“Amnesty International once again urges for the immediate and unconditional liberation of all those apprehended for participating in peaceful protests. The Nigerian government is obligated to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”