Once again, the Nigerian state stands exposed—not as a defender of democracy, but as a machinery of repression. The ongoing persecution of the #11AbujaActivists, who courageously participated in and led the August 1st, 2024, #EndBadGovernance protest, is a blatant attempt to criminalize dissent and intimidate those who dare to challenge injustice.
After three politically motivated adjournments under the watch of Justice Emeka Nwite—whose repeated absences appeared less like coincidence and more like calculated complicity—the long-delayed trial of the “Abuja 11” was finally held today, June 25, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the hearing, a newly appointed prosecuting counsel, Ibrahim, requested yet another adjournment, claiming he needed more time to study the case file following the dismissal of the former prosecutor for age falsification and gross abuse of office.
This move was strongly opposed by the defence counsel, who condemned the repeated delays as a violation of the defendants’ fundamental rights. They emphasized that the #Abuja11 have complied fully with court summonses—despite many of them living outside Abuja—and stressed that their only “offence” was exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The defence called on Justice Nwite to strike out the charges entirely, citing lack of diligent prosecution and the immense emotional, financial, and physical toll that this prolonged trial has placed on the defendants. In response, the judge adjourned the case yet again—this time to October 9, 2025.
Let it be stated clearly: this treason trial is a farce. It is a disgraceful assault on democratic rights and a calculated attempt to crush organized resistance against the anti-poor, pro-rich policies of the Tinubu regime.

These comrades stood tall when many were silent. They led protests against crushing economic hardship imposed by a government that, from day one, declared war on the poor. The removal of fuel subsidies was not a reform—it was a death sentence for workers, students, and farmers. It triggered an avalanche: skyrocketing food and transport prices, tuition hikes, student loan traps, exploding youth unemployment, and a staggering rise in the number of out-of-school children. Meanwhile, the Naira collapsed, and taxes increased on the working poor, while the rich continued to loot and wallow in obscene luxury.

Some of the 11 activists

It is these brutal realities, not any imaginary coup—that gave birth to the August protest. It was a protest rooted in hunger, hopelessness, and the despair of millions. And how did the regime respond? With violence. With bullets. With mass arrests. Even children were detained.

Now, 11 activists are being dragged before the courts on fabricated, baseless charges. This trial is not about justice—it is a political witch-hunt meant to send a chilling message to all who dare to resist.

But we say to the regime, we will not be silenced!

These are not criminals. They are patriots. Workers. Students. Fighters for a better Nigeria. Ordinary people who refuse to watch in silence as the future is mortgaged by looters in Agbada.

We call on all trade unions, student bodies, human rights groups, progressive organisations, and all oppressed people to rise in solidarity.

Our Demands:

• Drop all charges against the #11AbujaActivists immediately!
• End the politically motivated trial now!
• Defend the right to protest—protest is not a crime!