In a dramatic turn of events, ten individuals involved in widespread protests across Nigeria last month have been charged with treason and other serious offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This legal action comes in the wake of significant unrest in the country driven by widespread economic hardship and discontent with the current administration.
These protests, dubbed the “10 Days of Rage”, erupted in response to the dire economic conditions prevailing in the country. Protesters took to the streets across Nigeria expressing their frustration over skyrocketing inflation and rising food prices. The protests began on August 1 and quickly spread to major cities, drawing comparisons to similar movements in other parts of Africa such as Kenya, where protests led to significant government changes.
The ten accused individuals appeared in court on Monday, facing charges including treason, destruction of public property and assaulting police officers. All ten have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The charges against them are serious: they are accused of conspiring with a British national to destabilise Nigeria by calling for a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The chargesheet claims that protesters chanted slogans demanding “Tinubu must go” and called for the intervention of soldiers to take control of the government.
The decision to charge the protesters with treason is a stark illustration of the tense and volatile political climate in Nigeria. The protests have exposed deep frustration among Nigerians, who are grappling with the worst economic crisis in a generation. With annual inflation rates exceeding 30% and essential food items such as yams becoming prohibitively expensive, many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
The court’s decision to deny bail to the accused has been criticised by human rights organisations. Amnesty International has condemned the legal process, labelling the trial a “sham” and calling for an independent investigation into the violence that took place during the protests. Amnesty International has previously criticised the Nigerian government for its response to the demonstrations, including allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel.
The protests, organised via social media, drew inspiration from successful demonstrations in Kenya, where a proposed tax hike was cancelled due to public outrage. However, in Nigeria, the situation has been worsened by violence and clashes between protesters and security forces. Reports suggest that at least seven people died as a result of the unrest, although rights groups have reported 23 deaths. Additionally, around 700 individuals were arrested during the protests.
The Nigerian government has come under increasing criticism for its handling of the situation. Authorities have imposed curfews in various areas, citing the need to restore order. The government’s official narrative describes the protests as “hijacked by thugs” who engaged in looting and destruction of property. This characterisation has been contested by many observers, who argue that the protests were motivated by genuine grievances over economic mismanagement and corruption.
The economic crisis in Nigeria has reached a critical point, with inflation rates reaching record highs. The cost of living has soared, placing enormous pressure on ordinary Nigerians. In Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, the price of yams – a staple food – has risen by almost four times over the past year. The rising cost of basic necessities has fuelled a sense of hopelessness and desperation among the population.
In light of these circumstances, the government’s response to the protests has been seen by many as an attempt to stifle dissent and divert attention from underlying economic issues. The decision to charge protesters with treason and other serious offences has been interpreted by some as an attempt to intimidate and silence those who dare to challenge the status quo.
As the legal proceedings continue, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in Nigeria. The outcome of the trial and the wider response to the protests will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and its future trajectory. The government’s response to the ongoing economic crisis and protests underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of the unrest. In the coming weeks, the situation in Nigeria will likely remain volatile and unstable. The government’s approach to handling the protests and subsequent legal actions against protesters will play a key role in shaping the country’s path forward. As Nigeria navigates these challenging times, hopes for a solution to the economic crisis and more inclusive growth are growing.