The Attorney General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, has ordered the withdrawal of all criminal charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters in the state.
The decision, announced by the Director of Public Prosecution on January 27, 2025, came after a petition submitted on November 5, 2024, by Citizens’ Gavel, a civic-tech non-profit organization. The group urged the Attorney General to exercise his authority under Section 211(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to dismiss the charges.
The protesters, who took part in nationwide demonstrations from August 1 to August 10, 2024, had been accused of conspiracy to commit treason, unlawful assembly, and disturbing public peace. Citizens’ Gavel, which provided legal support to the protesters, also filed fundamental rights enforcement applications to challenge the allegations.
Rachael Adio, Communications Associate for Citizens’ Gavel, described the decision as a major win 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 praised the Attorney General for respecting the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights. Adio also reiterated Citizens’ Gavel’s commitment to promoting justice and ensuring accountability within the legal system.