Nigerian Bar Association Offers Free Legal Services to #EndBadGovernance Protesters
In a move to ensure that the country’s criminal justice system treats protesters fairly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched a free legal services program for indigent protesters facing prosecution for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The association’s president, Afam Osigwe, made the announcement on his verified social media handle, stating that the program aims to provide pro bono support to protesters who lack legal representation.
According to Osigwe, the NBA will monitor the remaining arraignment of detained protesters and work closely with the Citizens’ Liberties Committee (NBA-CLC) to ensure that no defendant suffers injustice. The NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants.
The announcement comes amid a sweeping clampdown on activists associated with the #EndBadGovernance protests. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has targeted many of the protesters, declaring a Briton, Andrew Wynne, wanted and arraigning 10 Nigerians who participated in the protests in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other states.
The charges against the 10 defendants include collaborating with Wynne "with intent to destabilise Nigeria" and calling on the military to take over the government from President Tinubu. They were also accused of conspiring with Wynne to plot a war against the Nigerian state. The judge, Emeka Nwite, ordered the 10 defendants remanded in prison until 11 September to rule on their bail application.
The NBA’s move is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that the rights of protesters are protected and that they receive fair treatment in the criminal justice system. The association’s efforts to provide free legal services to indigent protesters are a testament to its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in Nigeria.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from 1 to 10 August, were a response to the economic hardship caused by the economic policies of President Tinubu. Many Nigerians participated in the demonstrations, calling for change and better governance. The NBA’s decision to offer free legal services to protesters is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
