Haruna Dederi, Kano State’s attorney general, has directed that all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance demonstrators in the north-west state be dropped.
The attorney general was urged to exercise his constitutional authority under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as modified) in a petition filed by Citizens’ Gavel on November 5, 2024.
In a statement released yesterday, communications associate Rachael Adio of Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech non-profit/non-governmental organisation, called the ruling a historic step in Nigeria’s struggle for justice and civil liberties.
Adio reaffirmed the group’s dedication to promoting justice, defending civil liberties, and guaranteeing accountability within the legal system while praising the Kano State attorney general for enforcing the rule of law and honoring Nigerians’ constitutional freedoms.
The statement read: “On the 27th of January, 2025, the honourable attorney general of Kano State, acting through the director of public prosecution, officially ordered the discontinuance and withdrawal of all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano State.
“This decision follows a petition submitted by Citizens’ Gavel on November 5, 2024, urging the honourable attorney general to exercise his constitutional authority under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The petition called for the dismissal of charges brought against peaceful protesters arrested in Kano State during nationwide demonstrations held from August 1 to August 10, 2024. These demonstrators faced baseless allegations, including conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance.
‘Fundamental human rights enforcement applications were also filed in court, with Citizens’ Gavel providing free legal support and representation to the affected victims before this landmark decision came.
“Five months after, the withdrawal of these charges marks a significant victory for justice, reaffirming the rights of citizens to peacefully express their grievances without fear of persecution. We believe that a Nigeria where the rights of the people to dissent and peaceful protest is safeguarded is possible,” the statement added.