Following a Federal High Court order in Abuja to remand several #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre on charges of treason, one of the protesters’ lawyers, Mr Deji
Adeyanju, has expressed deep pain and sadness over the charges.Adeyanju, a rights activist, while speaking in a Vanguard report said the remand was particularly saddening especially when bandits continue to roam freely without facing prosecution.
He criticised the Tinubu-led government for pressing charges against peaceful protesters who were merely expressing their concerns about the state of the nation. Despite numerous calls for their unconditional release, the government proceeded with the charges.
The protesters were ordered to be remanded by Justice Emeka Nwite pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application, scheduled for September 11, 2024.
Adeyanju lamented, “It is really sad that peaceful protesters are being charged while no bandit is facing charges. This situation fills us with dismay and disbelief.”
He also condemned the arrest of another protester in a church, where the authorities allegedly labelled him an armed robber to justify his detention. “It is very sad that we have degenerated to this level as a nation. It is really sad,” Adeyanju added.
When asked about the possibility of the protesters receiving justice, Adeyanju expressed confidence but acknowledged the slow pace of the legal system. “The wheels of justice generally grind slowly, and that is why they could not be charged initially.
“How can anyone criminalise freedom of assembly? It is a constitutionally guaranteed right, reaffirmed multiple times by the courts. This situation is unfortunate.”
Adeyanju further asserted that the government’s actions reflect a lack of interest in doing the right thing, describing the situation as “really sad.”
Despite the challenges, Adeyanju affirmed that the legal team representing the protesters is well-prepared for the upcoming bail hearing on September 11. “Of course, we are very prepared,” he stated.
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