- The delayed arraignment has sparked further debates about the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria
Thirty-one young Nigerians arrested on August 25, 2024, for allegedly participating in a Shi’a protest in Abuja, have finally been arraigned in court after spending over four months in detention without trial.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Police detained the individuals following a clash between the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, and police forces in the Wuse District of Abuja.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two policemen and a civilian, with several protesters injured and three police vehicles set ablaze.
During the period of detention, concerns were raised over delays in their arraignment, highlighting inefficiencies within Nigeria’s justice system. “These young Nigerians were arrested and detained since August 25, 2024, by the FCT Police Command for their alleged involvement in the protest, and they were only brought to court today,” a source told *SaharaReporters*.
At the time of the incident, the then FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, accused the Shiites of escalating hostilities, stating, “They have declared total war on us. This is the last protest or procession they will carry out in the FCT.”
The delayed arraignment has sparked further debates about the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
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