On Wednesday, Nigerian activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju accused the Nigerian government of criminalizing protests.
Adeyanju criticized the government for failing to prosecute former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello while prosecuting EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters. His remarks followed the Federal High Court in Abuja imposing N10 million bail on each of the ten protesters charged with attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4 this year.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted bail to the protesters, requiring each to provide a surety residing in Abuja, with the surety’s bail amount matching that of the accused.
In response, Adeyanju condemned the government’s actions, stating, “Criminalizing protests is a sign of tyranny. We should not hesitate to call out governments that try to strip away fundamental rights that should be freely enjoyed.”
He accused the government of focusing on trivial matters rather than addressing pressing issues like insecurity. “Yahaya Bello is not above the law, yet he faces no legal consequences, while those protesting for better governance are imprisoned,” Adeyanju added.
He questioned why legitimate demands for better welfare, inflation control, and fair fuel pricing should be criminalized when serious crimes and corruption go unpunished. “Protest is about promoting democratic ideals,” he said. “Arresting the NLC President and targeting protesters is unjust. Everyone has the right to protest, and we must continue to uphold that right.”
Adeyanju affirmed that protests will always be a legal right, and citizens should be encouraged to voice their concerns as they see fit.
