- The decision follows a petition submitted by Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech non-profit organization
The Attorney General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, has ordered the discontinuance and withdrawal of all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters in the State.
The decision, announced through the Director of Public Prosecution on January 27, 2025, follows a petition submitted by Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech non-profit organization, on November 5, 2024. The group had called on the Attorney General to invoke his constitutional authority under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to dismiss the charges.
The protesters, who participated in nationwide demonstrations from August 1 to August 10, 2024, had faced allegations including conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance.
Citizens’ Gavel provided legal representation for the protesters and filed fundamental rights enforcement applications to challenge the charges.
Rachael Adio, Communications Associate for Citizens’ Gavel, described the decision as a victory for civil liberties in Nigeria.
“This marks a pivotal moment in the fight for justice. It reaffirms the constitutional right of Nigerians to peacefully express their grievances without fear of persecution,” Adio said in a statement on Tuesday.
She commended the Attorney General for upholding the rule of law and respecting citizens’ rights, adding that Citizens’ Gavel remains committed to advocating for justice and ensuring accountability within the justice system.
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