Kano Drops Criminal Charges Against #EndBadGovernance Protesters
Kano State’s Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, has ordered the withdrawal and discontinuance of all criminal charges against individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests in the state.
This decision comes after a petition filed by Citizens’ Gavel on November 5, 2024, urging the Attorney General to use his constitutional powers under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to dismiss the charges.
Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech non-governmental organization, praised the Attorney General’s action, calling it a significant development in the pursuit of justice and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Tuesday by its communications associate, Rachael Adio, the group expressed its appreciation for the Attorney General’s commitment to the rule of law and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“On January 27, 2025, the Honourable Attorney General of Kano State, through the Director of Public Prosecution, officially ordered the discontinuance and withdrawal of all criminal charges against the #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano State,” the statement said.
The charges were originally brought against peaceful demonstrators who participated in nationwide protests from August 1 to 10, 2024. The protesters faced unfounded allegations, including conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance.
Citizens’ Gavel had filed fundamental human rights enforcement applications in court and provided free legal support to the affected individuals. The withdrawal of charges five months later marks a significant victory, affirming the right of citizens to peacefully express their grievances without the fear of legal retribution.
“We believe this marks a crucial step toward a Nigeria where the right to dissent and protest is guaranteed and respected,” the group concluded.
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