Following the recent protests by groups protesting against hunger and bad governance across the country, human rights organization, Amnesty International has stated that over 1000 protesters are in custody nationwide.
The recent protests in the country were held between August 1 and 10.
However, the demonstration turned violent in certain areas of the country, with reports of looting and vandalism in several states.
After the protests, the police announced that they had arrested individuals responsible for the violence in several states.
“The Nigerian authorities are escalating crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption.
“Over 1000 people have been remanded nationwide. Today 441 people were arraigned in Kano, in what is set out to be an unfair trial based on trumped up charges.
“Amnesty International again calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The government of Nigeria has an obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
On Monday, the Kano State Police Command reported the arrest of at least 873 suspects for various criminal offenses, while 97 individuals were also arrested in Borno in connection with violent protests.
Recall that on August 6, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that the police had arrested some of the real sponsors of rioters who had hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, among others.
(Vanguard)