At the Senior Magistrate Court in Kano State, presided over by Ibrahim Abubakar Mansur, the court has dismissed the First Information Report (FIR) against 37 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. The ruling, delivered at the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre on Friday, comes as a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the protests that took place earlier this year.
The court, while discharging the 37 protesters, also granted bail to 48 others who were part of the same protest. As part of the bail conditions, each of the 48 individuals is required to deposit N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) at the Kano State High Court Registry and provide two reliable sureties.
The protesters were represented by a coalition of legal professionals from various bodies, including the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ungogo Branch, the NBA Kano Branch, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Yusha'u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., from CEFSAN, confirmed that the case has been adjourned to September 18, 2024, for further mention.
This ruling follows a related the Senior Magistrate Court in Kano State, presided over by Ibrahim Abubakar Mansur, the court has dismissed the First Information Report (FIR) against 37 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement. The ruling, delivered at the Goron Dutse Correctional Centre on Friday, comes as a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the protests that took place earlier this year.
The court, while discharging the 37 protesters, also granted bail to 48 others who were part of the same protest. As part of the bail conditions, each of the 48 individuals is required to deposit N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) at the Kano State High Court Registry and provide two reliable sureties.
The protesters were represented by a coalition of legal professionals from various bodies, including the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ungogo Branch, the NBA Kano Branch, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Yusha'u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., from CEFSAN, confirmed that the case has been adjourned to September 18, 2024, for further mention.
This ruling follows a related judgment from the Senior Magistrate Court in Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano State, where 36 protesters were unconditionally discharged, and 35 others were granted bail under similar conditions. The court session, presided over by Hadiza Rabi'u Bello, reviewed the cases of over 70 protesters. The decision to discharge some and grant bail to others came after a legal recommendation from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Kano State.
The protests, which were part of the larger #EndBadGovernance movement that swept across Nigeria, have been met with various legal challenges. However, this latest court ruling represents a victory for the protesters and their legal team, who have maintained that their clients were exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
In a statement issued by CEFSAN and signed by Yusha'u Sani Yankuzo, the organization praised the court’s decision, noting that it reflects the growing commitment of the judiciary to uphold justice and protect citizens' rights. The statement read, "The unconditional discharge of these protesters is a welcome development. It is a testament to the fact that the judiciary remains a beacon of hope for all citizens seeking justice and protection under the law."
The case has been adjourned to October 9, 2024, for further mention, with many anticipating the next steps in what has become a high-profile legal matter in Nigeria.
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions, with many on social media hailing the decision as a victory for democracy and free speech. Activists have also called on the government to respect the rights of citizens to peacefully protest without fear of persecution.
The #EndBadGovernance movement, which began as a peaceful call for government accountability and reform, continues to gain momentum, with ongoing legal battles drawing national and international attention.
