Nigeria Times

A tense atmosphere gripped the Maiduguri High Court today as the long-anticipated verdict approaches for 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters arrested in August. Family members, human rights activists, and legal professionals gathered to show solidarity with the defendants, awaiting the court’s decision on charges of public disturbance.

The Borno State Attorney General, Hauwa Abubakar, stated that the protesters allegedly displayed a Russian national flag while chanting anti-government slogans, which the state claims disrupted public peace. The charges fall under Section 42 and are punishable by Section 76(b) of the Borno State Penal Code Law.

The trial has captured the attention of human rights advocates, who argue for the fundamental right to peaceful protest. Supporters hope the court will deliver a verdict that respects freedom of expression while balancing the need for public order.

Observers view the case as pivotal, reflecting Nigeria’s ongoing debate on the right to protest and peaceful assembly.

Governors from Northern Nigeria and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have called for the release of minors charged with treason following their participation in #EndBadGovernance protests held in Kano and Kaduna in early August. The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, instructed the state’s Attorney General to pursue the release of the children, some of whom were reportedly detained in a malnourished state, sparking widespread outrage on social media.

The minors are part of a group of 76 protesters arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges against them, including alleged attempts to destabilize the government, have drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including prominent lawyers and civil society organizations, who argue that the treatment violates the Child Rights Act and international protocols regarding children’s rights.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed urged the North to unite in response to the incident, condemning the excessive bail conditions and highlighting the economic hardship faced by families of the detained minors. He, along with other Northern leaders, advocated for leniency and called for reforms in the juvenile justice system to protect the rights of minors.

Human rights groups, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Women Aid Collective Nigeria (WACOL), condemned the charges, asserting that juvenile detainees should be treated separately from adults and calling for immediate corrective actions, including medical care and compensation for the detainees. The ACF labeled the trial as “a sham,” demanding the unconditional release of the children and pledging continued support for citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.

Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has hinted at a possible withdrawal of Chadian troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) following a deadly Boko Haram attack on Chadian soldiers in Barkaram on October 27. Following the incident, President Deby personally took command of military operations along the Lake Chad border.

A statement from Chad’s Director General of Communication, Hassan Abdelkerim Bouyëbri, expressed the president’s concern over the lack of coordinated efforts within the MNJTF, pointing to what he described as a declining unity within the coalition.

President Deby has since launched “Operation Haskanite” to eliminate remaining Boko Haram fighters, bolstering border defenses and establishing a local command post to intensify Chad’s counter-insurgency efforts. He stressed his commitment to national security but indicated that Chad may reconsider its role in the MNJTF if joint actions do not improve.

Formed in 1994, the MNJTF, comprising forces from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, was initially created to tackle cross-border crime but expanded its mission in 2012 to combat terrorism across the Lake Chad Basin.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has clarified his recent remarks on church vigils, which he says were misrepresented. Obi’s statement on redirecting church vigils towards productive night shifts sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attack on religious practices.

Obi explained through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, that his comments were misunderstood. According to Obi, he was emphasizing the balance between faith and work, citing the biblical principle, “Faith without works is dead.” He referenced that Jesus’ disciples were chosen while working, not praying, underscoring his belief that worship and productivity can coexist.

Obi further noted that the distortion of his words served a “mischievous” agenda, insisting his intent was to highlight the role of productive work in worship.