This decision comes after weeks of intense national and international pressure, condemning the Nigerian government’s crackdown on protesters.
Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu made the ruling following an application by M.D. Abubakar, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), to take over and discontinue the suit. The move is seen as a significant victory for the protesters and their supporters, who have been advocating for their release and an end to bad governance in Nigeria.
The protesters were arrested and charged with treason for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest, which began on August 1, 2024. However, the case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that 24 malnourished minors were among those detained. The conditions of the detainees sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for their immediate release.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered the release of the underage children on November 1, following national and international outrage. The President’s intervention was seen as a response to mounting pressure from human rights organizations and the international community.
Human Rights Watch and other organizations have condemned the Nigerian government’s actions, stating that the charges were “troubling” and demonstrated the government’s intolerance for dissent.
The organizations have called for the protesters to be released immediately and for the government to respect the rights of its citizens.
