Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed outrage over the Federal High Court’s decision to remand #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre on treason charges.
In a scathing interview with newsmen, Adeyanju lambasted the government for targeting peaceful protesters while turning a blind eye to the activities of bandits and other criminals.
“It’s a travesty of justice that the government is more interested in silencing citizens who are exercising their constitutional right to protest than in addressing the pressing issues facing the nation,” Adeyanju said.
He noted that despite calls for the protesters’ release, the government has chosen to pursue a treason case against them, a move he described as “draconian and repressive.”
“The government even arrested another protester in a church, labeling him an armed robber as an excuse to detain him. It’s disheartening to see our nation sink to this level.”
On the prospects of justice for the protesters, Adeyanju commented, “While we are optimistic, the legal process is often slow. It’s concerning that freedom of assembly, a constitutionally protected right, is being criminalized.”
He concluded by criticizing the government’s approach: “It’s evident that the government is misguided and uninterested in doing what is right. It’s truly disappointing.”
Adeyanju assured that the legal team representing the protesters is fully prepared for the September 11 hearing. “We are definitely ready for the upcoming proceedings,” he affirmed.
The protesters will remain in detention until their bail application hearing on September 11, 2024, as ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite.
