Kano, Nigeria — Kano State has officially withdrawn all criminal charges against protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
The Attorney General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, issued the directive through the Director of Public Prosecution, following a petition from Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech organisation advocating for justice and civil liberties.
In a statement released by Rachael Adio, Communications Associate at Citizens’ Gavel, the development was described as a significant step toward upholding justice and civil rights in Nigeria.
Adio praised the attorney general for respecting constitutional freedoms, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights of Nigerians to peacefully express dissent.
“On January 27, 2025, the honourable attorney general officially ordered the discontinuance of all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano State,” Adio stated.
The petition, filed on November 5, 2024, urged the attorney general to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to dismiss charges against peaceful protesters arrested between August 1 and August 10, 2024.
The protesters had faced allegations of conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance. Citizens’ Gavel provided free legal representation to the victims, filing fundamental rights enforcement applications in court.
“This landmark decision reinforces the right of citizens to peaceful protest without fear of persecution,” the statement added. “It is a victory for justice and civil liberties in Nigeria.”
Citizens’ Gavel reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and ensuring that Nigerians can express their grievances peacefully and freely.
By Enoch Odesola| January 29, 2025
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