The protesters, who have been incarcerated for over six weeks, were granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with conditions the YRC described as excessive and unjust.
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has strongly condemned the bail conditions imposed on Adaramoye Michael Lenin, Mosiu Sodiq, and eight others arrested and detained in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The protesters, who have been incarcerated for over six weeks, were granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with conditions the YRC described as excessive and unjust.
“These conditions, which require a surety each with property in Abuja and N10 million, not only reflect a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights of ordinary people but also reveal a judiciary system that does not care a hoot about the legitimate grievances expressed by the Nigerian populace in the August protest,” the YRC stated.
The group in a statement on Sunday through its National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, expressed concerns over the financial demands of the bail, noting that the stringent conditions make it nearly impossible for the detainees to secure their release.
In addition to Lenin and Sodiq, the others facing similar charges are Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
The YRC revealed that Lenin, the group's National Coordinator, was arrested alongside Sodiq in the early hours of August 5, 2024, by operatives of the National Intelligence Agency, under the directive of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges they face include treason, a capital offence, for merely holding placards with the inscription “End Bad Governance.”
The YRC decried the charges as fabricated and aimed at silencing dissent.
“The charges levelled against these protesters are trumped-up and fabricated, aimed at stifling dissent and suppressing protests against economic hardship and social crisis as a result of the anti-poor economic and political decisions of the Tinubu government,” it said.
In addition to demanding the immediate release of Lenin and the others, the YRC called for the unconditional release of all detainees arrested during the August protests, including 39 individuals held in Kuje prison without trial since August 22.
They also highlighted the cases of Daniel Akande, who has been detained at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility since September 2, and Khalid Aminu, who has been in DSS custody since early August.
The group further condemned the harassment of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and other activists, calling on the government to cease attempts to arrest socialist and leftist activists in Abuja.
They also demanded the unfreezing of bank accounts allegedly linked to activists and organisations associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement.
“There is a glaring hypocrisy within the legal system. Corrupt politicians and other members of the thieving elite accused of serious offences often receive lenient bail conditions that starkly contrast with those imposed on ordinary citizens,” the YRC said.
“This disparity underscores a systemic bias that favours the rich ruling elite who steal public wealth but penalise ordinary people for exercising their democratic rights.”
The YRC called on the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society organisations, and human rights groups to rally behind the detained protesters and ensure their release.
They urged NLC President Joe Ajaero to act on his commitment to protect the rights of workers and the public, referencing his remarks during a recent meeting with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President.
The YRC concluded by warning that the Tinubu government is using the detention of activists as a deterrent against future protests, urging the public to resist and fight for their rights.