The Concerned Students Movement (CSM), Nigeria, has strongly criticized the conviction and sentencing of seven young Nigerians in Maiduguri, Borno State, for taking part in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held between August 1 and 10, 2024.
In a statement issued by its representative, Feranmi Gabriel of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, the movement described the trial as unfair and the punishments imposed on the youths as unacceptable.
“We, the Concerned Students Movement (CSM), Nigeria, stand firmly with the seven young Nigerians wrongfully convicted and sentenced in Maiduguri, Borno State, for joining the #EndBadGovernance protests,” the statement read.
Chronicles Reporters had earlier reported that the seven youths were handed five-year prison terms, community service, and public flogging in connection with the demonstrations.
Amnesty International Nigeria also disclosed in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday that the convicted youths, aged between 14 and 17 years, were arraigned by Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration over allegations of creating a “Protest Group” on WhatsApp.
Those convicted were identified as Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Gajimi (popularly called Bakura), 17; Muhammed Mustapha (alias Gudusu), 14; Muhammed Mustapha (alias Abbas), 15; Muhammed Kyari (alias Mome); Muhammed Bukar (alias Awana), and Ibrahim Muhammed (alias Babayo).
Condemning the government’s handling of the case, CSM said, “These children, some as young as 14, went through a flawed trial, convicted on flimsy grounds, and subjected to cruel punishments such as caning, forced labour, and imprisonment.”
The student body dismissed the accusations, particularly the claim that the defendants created a WhatsApp group named “Zanga Zanga” to wage war against the government.
“The charges, including the allegation that they ‘formed a group called Zanga Zanga on WhatsApp to take up arms against the government,’ are not only ridiculous but also a clear fabrication,” the group insisted.
According to CSM, the government’s action represents an intentional move to crush dissent and instill fear among young Nigerians.
“For us, their conviction is nothing less than an orchestrated attempt to silence opposition, scare the youth, and suppress those who dare to challenge injustice, poverty, and corruption in the country,” the statement said.
“It is appalling that minors and teenagers are languishing in detention for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”
The group therefore demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of the seven, urging the Borno State Government to overturn the convictions.
“In response, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of these seven young Nigerians. The Borno State Government must set aside these convictions without delay,” the group emphasized.
The movement further urged authorities to respect both constitutional rights and international human rights standards, while also calling on civil society groups, student bodies, human rights advocates, and the global community to take action.
“We appeal to all progressive civil society organizations, student groups, human rights defenders, and the international community to stand against this injustice and ensure that Nigeria does not descend into a country where peaceful protest is treated as a crime,” the statement concluded.
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