ActionAid Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Nasarawa Protesters

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

ActionAid Nigeria yesterday called for the immediate release of some Nasarawa protesters, recently arrested in Lafia, insisting that their continued detention and prosecution is an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

Police were said to have arrested the persons who were alleged to have staged a public protest after the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

 ActionAid Nigeria which condemned the arrest and prosecution of the protesters called for their Immediate release, disclosing that the number of those arrested was 38.

“In light of recent events in Nasarawa State, where the police command arrested 38 protesters in Lafia for alleged public disturbance following the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule, ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns any infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and expression.

 “The right to protest peacefully is a fundamental human right and an essential component of any functioning democracy.

“We are deeply concerned about reports that 38 individuals, including five males and 33 females, were arrested, charged, and remanded at the Lafia Custodial Centre for expressing their grievances against the Supreme Court judgment.

“Suppressing dissent and peaceful protests undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear,” the organisation stated.

It urged  the state government and the Nigerian police force to uphold the rights of the individuals to freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation or persecution.

The group urged the judiciary to ensure a fair and transparent process in handling the case of the arrested individuals, saying that any denial of bail, if justified, should be based on clear legal grounds, and the judicial process should be conducted without prejudice.

It called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the arrests, considering the possibility of political motivations, and urged all relevant stakeholders to respect the rule of law and human rights.

ActionAid Nigeria said it remains committed to promoting and defending human rights, social justice, and the rule of law, promising to closely monitor the developments in Nasarawa State and continue to demand the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.