Lawyer asks AGF to drop treason charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters

Pelumi Olajengbesi, a human rights lawyer, has implored Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, to rescind the treason charges filed against 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters.

Nigerians held nationwide protests against economic hardship from August 1–10.

After the protests, the police announced the arrests of some demonstrators in several states. 10 protesters were subsequently charged in Abuja on September 2. 

In a letter sent to the AGF’s office on Tuesday, Olajengbesi criticised the “criminalisation of young citizens” who took part in the protests, describing it as “a violation of the rule of law”.

He argued that the right to peaceful assembly is fundamental in any democracy as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and international human rights agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“To criminalise citizens for exercising their legitimate right to dissent through peaceful protest not only constitutes a breach of these legal protections but also tarnishes Nigeria’s standing on the global stage,” he wrote.

“It is incumbent upon us to prevent the normalisation of criminalising lawful dissent, which undermines the democratic fabric of our society.

“Historically, governments that have resorted to such heavy-handed tactics have invariably eroded their legitimacy in the eyes of both the citizenry and the international community.

“I have faith in your unwavering dedication to justice and the rule of law, and I am confident that your intervention will help realign the government’s approach towards a more just and democratic course.

“Therefore, I earnestly appeal to you to ensure that all charges against the arrested protesters are immediately rescinded and that they are released without further delay.

“It is vital that we uphold the rule of law and refrain from punitive actions against those who merely seek to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.”