The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has expressed serious concerns over the treatment of #EndBadGovernance protesters and activists currently in detention. Among those named are Michael Adaramoye, Mosiu Sodiq, and Eleojo Opaluwa.
The group has accused Nigerian authorities of denying these detainees fundamental human rights, including access to food, healthcare, and adequate living conditions. These deprivations have reportedly led to severe health issues, putting the detainees’ lives at risk.
In light of these allegations, CDWR is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of these activists. The organization has issued a stern warning that should any of the detainees die in custody, President Bola Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu will be held responsible.
The CDWR strongly condemns the ongoing detention of these individuals, labeling it as an illegal act of repression against those who dare to challenge misgovernance and demand better living conditions in Nigeria. The group argues that it is deeply unjust for corrupt members of the ruling elite to go unpunished while innocent activists face persecution for seeking reform.
This situation underscores the deepening conflict between the Nigerian government and advocates for change, raising questions about the state of democracy and human rights in the country.
In a statement released on Sunday, CDWR’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Chinedu Bosah, outlined these concerns. The statement, titled “CDWR condemns the continuous incarceration of Michael Adaramoye, Mosiu Sodiq, Eleojo Opaluwa and others based on a remand court order clandestinely procured by the police,” highlights the perceived injustices.
The group accuses the Nigerian Police and the Tinubu-led administration of intentionally prolonging the detention of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. “It has been nearly three weeks since Comrade Michael Adaramoye (Michael Lenin), Sodiq Mosiu, and others were unlawfully detained on the orders of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, without any trial,” the statement reads.
The CDWR further alleges that the detainees have been denied contact with legal representatives and family members, and are being held in isolation. The group claims that the detainees are deprived of basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and proper sleeping arrangements, leading to deteriorating health conditions.
In a particularly alarming accusation, the organization notes that on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Nigerian Police secretly obtained a remand order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, extending the detention of these protesters by 60 days, without the presence of their legal representatives. CDWR views this action as further evidence of the government’s oppressive tactics under the Tinubu administration.
The group also accuses the judiciary of being complicit in what they describe as the dictatorial practices of the current regime. According to CDWR, the government has consistently used the courts to undermine the constitutional rights of Nigerians to protest peacefully against bad governance and anti-people policies.
CDWR condemns what it sees as the government’s habit of obtaining secret injunctions against workers, trade unions, and activists, describing these tactics as undemocratic. The group contrasts the treatment of activists with that of corrupt politicians, noting that individuals like former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was caught on video in 2018 allegedly accepting bribes, remain unprosecuted and have even been rewarded with powerful positions.
The statement concludes with a reiteration of CDWR’s demands for the immediate release of all detained activists, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to justice and democratic rights.
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