HURIWA Condemns Excessive Bail Conditions for #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the Federal High Court in Abuja for imposing punitive and excessive bail conditions on 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters.

Courts Behaving Like Colonial Agents

HURIWA expressed deep disappointment, stating that the courts are increasingly behaving like colonial agents, wielding their powers not to protect the rights of the people but to oppress and criminalize peaceful protests.

The association likened the actions of the Federal High Court to the oppressive methods used by colonial authorities to suppress the voices of Nigerians during the pre-independence era.

Unjust Bail Conditions

The court granted bail to each defendant with a requirement of N10 million, alongside a surety of the same amount who must be a resident and property owner in Abuja.

The sureties were also required to deposit property documents with the court and swear an affidavit of means.

HURIWA described these conditions as unjust, oppressive, and reflective of a judiciary increasingly subservient to the executive arm of government.

Criminalizing Peaceful Protests

HURIWA pointed out that the individuals being prosecuted are mostly unemployed youths who took to the streets to demand good governance, accountability, and transparency—values enshrined in the constitution.

The association criticized the bail conditions as an indirect way of ensuring that the protesters remain in detention.

Undermining Democracy

The court’s decision, according to HURIWA, not only undermines the principles of democracy but also emboldens the executive to further clamp down on peaceful protests.

The association warned that suppressing the right to protest is effectively killing democracy.

Lack of Judicial Independence

HURIWA raised concerns over the independence of the judiciary, stating that the courts are fast becoming tools of the executive to stifle dissent and silence opposing voices.

The association cautioned that the judiciary must remain neutral and on the side of justice.

Trumped-Up Charges

HURIWA also criticized the charges against the protesters, describing them as trumped-up and politically motivated.

The association expressed regret that such actions are being taken by the judiciary, stating that it is a reflection of a larger issue of the courts being used to restrict fundamental human rights.

Call to Action

In its concluding remarks, HURIWA called on the leadership of Nigeria’s judiciary to take immediate steps to address the growing trend of courts issuing rulings that align with the executive’s oppressive policies.