Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, has ordered the withdrawal of all criminal charges against protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Kano State.
The decision, which was made public on January 28, 2025, follows a petition submitted by the Civil Society Organization (CSO), Citizens’ Gavel, on November 5, 2024, calling for the exercise of the Attorney General’s constitutional authority.
The petition, which sought the dismissal of charges against peaceful demonstrators, urged the Attorney General to act under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The charges, which included conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, had been brought against citizens who took part in protests across Nigeria from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
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Rachael Adio, Communications Associate for Citizens’ Gavel, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the Attorney General’s office officially withdrew the case on January 27, 2025, marking a victory for the demonstrators who were previously detained and facing baseless allegations.
The organization had been actively advocating for the rights of the arrested protesters and had filed fundamental human rights enforcement applications in court. Citizens’ Gavel also provided free legal support and representation to the affected individuals.
In their statement, Citizens’ Gavel praised the Attorney General’s decision as a landmark victory for justice, emphasizing that it reaffirmed the right of Nigerians to express their grievances peacefully.
They commended the AG for respecting the rule of law and the constitutional rights of citizens to dissent without fear of persecution.
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“This decision is a triumph for democracy and civil liberties. It shows that Nigeria is a country where the rights of its people are protected,” Citizens’ Gavel stated.
“We remain committed to ensuring accountability within the justice system and will continue to fight for the protection of fundamental freedoms.”
The withdrawal of charges comes five months after the initial arrests and serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of protecting the rights to peaceful assembly and free speech in a democratic society.