- The DSS is prosecuting three protesters from the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Kaduna, while six others were released after investigations
- Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the government’s crackdown on peaceful protests, claiming over 2,100 protesters were detained nationwide
The Department of State Services (DSS) has begun prosecuting three protesters arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kaduna in August 2024. Meanwhile, six other protesters have been released after an investigation by DSS operatives cleared them.
This development follows claims by human rights lawyer Femi Falana that 2,111 protesters were detained nationwide during the protests. Falana criticized the government for cracking down on peaceful demonstrators while allowing criminals to go free.
A senior DSS official confirmed to our correspondent that those released had been cleared of any wrongdoing. However, the three remaining protesters face prosecution, as “prima facie cases” were established against them.
“On September 19, 2024, the service released six persons in Kaduna who were cleared after investigations. Three others are being prosecuted,” the official revealed, adding that the DSS is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who use protests to commit crimes.
Efforts to reach the DSS for an official comment were unsuccessful, as calls and emails to the agency had not been answered at the time of reporting.