Lawyer Demands Apology, Compensation From Tinubu Government After Court Acquits Protesters
A leading human rights lawyer has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to issue a formal apology and compensation after a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted 11 activists previously charged in connection with the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court on Wednesday struck out all counts of treason and terrorism-related charges against the group, concluding a prolonged case that had kept the defendants entangled in the legal system for over a year.
The 11 protesters were arrested in various Nigerian states and brought to Abuja following nationwide demonstrations against perceived governance failures. Their prosecution generated significant public debate, with critics arguing the charges were an attempt to criminalise peaceful civic dissent.
Abubakar Marshal, counsel to the acquitted activists, condemned the prosecution as a “state-backed persecution” motivated by a desire to suppress dissent, telling journalists outside the courtroom that his clients’ only “offence” was advocating for good governance and accountability, rights he said are protected under the 1999 Constitution.
Marshal criticised the government’s conduct throughout the year-long legal battle, noting that the activists were publicly portrayed as threats to national security, had their bank accounts frozen, and suffered significant personal and economic hardships during the trial.
“With their constitutional rights violated and their reputations tarnished, the least the Federal Government can do now is apologise and compensate them adequately for the trauma and losses they endured,” he said, urging prompt action to restore the group’s accounts and dignity.
The court’s decision was hailed by civil liberties advocates as a landmark victory for free expression and democratic rights in Nigeria, underscoring concerns about how the government handles public protests and dissent.
As of now, the Federal Government has not publicly responded to the lawyer’s demands for an apology or reparations.