PRESS STATEMENT

We, the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR), once again raise our voice to condemn the ongoing persecution of eleven young activists popularly known as the Abuja 11. These activists, including our comrade Daniel Akande, were arrested, detained, and charged with treason and terrorism simply for exercising their constitutional right to protest against hardship and bad governance.

The #EndBadGovernance protest of August 2024 was a legitimate response to the unbearable economic conditions imposed by the Bola Tinubu regime. The reckless removal of fuel subsidy, currency devaluation, and other anti-people capitalist policies have deepened poverty, unemployment, and hunger. Rather than address these grievances, the government resorted to repression, arresting peaceful protesters and branding them enemies of the state.

For over a year now, these activists have endured endless adjournments, intimidation, and financial strain as the state continues to manipulate the judicial process. The prosecution has consistently failed to present any credible evidence. The first prosecutor, Simon A. Lough (SAN), we understand, was compulsorily retired for age falsification and abusing his office. This same officer was responsible for dragging innocent young people before the court on baseless charges.

The case has since been reassigned to a new prosecutor, Ibrahim Muhammed, who at the last court sitting pleaded for more time to study the case. This request further proves that the state is not prepared to prosecute because there is no case. The prolonged delay is a calculated attempt to punish the activists as they are set to appear for the fifth time at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the 9th of October.

We demand the immediate dismissal of all charges against the Abuja 11. The continued trial represents a gross violation of their rights and an assault on democracy. We also call for compensation for the losses and trauma they have suffered throughout this ordeal.

Beyond this case, the government’s continued repression of free speech and protest reflects the deepening crisis of capitalism in Nigeria. The same state that cannot pay workers a living wage or provide basic social services continues to waste resources on political witch-hunts. The removal of fuel subsidy and the privatisation of public assets have enriched a handful of elites, while workers and the poor sink deeper into misery.

We reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for socialist democracy and economic justice in Nigeria. We call on trade unions, civil society organisations, international human rights bodies, and progressive movements around the world to stand in solidarity with the Abuja 11 and all victims of state repression in Nigeria.

We demand an end to the criminalisation of dissent and a return to a system where the people’s voice matters.

The Abuja 11 committed no crime. They are victims of an unjust system that fears truth and resists accountability. Their courage represents the conscience of a generation determined to reclaim its future.

Signed

Segun Oguns

for SNWR.