Seven Nigerian youths have been convicted and handed sentences of five years in prison, community service, and public flogging in Borno State for their alleged involvement in the August 1–10, 2024, #EndBadGovernance protests.
Amnesty International Nigeria disclosed this in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. The organisation said the convicted teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, were charged by the Babagana Zulum-led administration for creating a “Protest Group” on WhatsApp.
“Right now, seven persons languish in jail in Maiduguri, Borno State, after being convicted to, among others, five years in prison over #EndBadGovernance protests,” Amnesty International revealed.
The rights group further stated, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the Borno State government for the sham trial based on bogus charges that led to the conviction and sentencing of the seven youths to: ranging from community services, and caning for the children, to five years’ imprisonment for the adults.”
According to Amnesty International, the charges against them included “forming a group named ‘Zanga Zanga Group (or Protest Group)’ on WhatsApp…to take up arms…against the Government” and “agreeing to take up arms…against the Government.” The group described the charges as “beyond bizarre.”
The convicted youths were identified as Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Gajimi (alias Bakura, 17 years), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Gudusu, 14 years), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Abbas, 15 years), Muhammed Kyari (alias Mome), Muhammed Bukar (alias Awana), and Ibrahim Muhammed (alias Babayo).
Condemning the sentences, Amnesty International said, “These outrageous convictions are a blatant attempt to silence these youths. Clearly, this serves as a threat to any young person who dares to stand up against injustice and corruption. These youths have done absolutely nothing wrong.”
The organisation added: “It beggars belief that these young and brave people are behind bars for daring to peacefully express dissent over widespread hunger and corruption in Nigeria.”
Amnesty International demanded that the convictions be quashed and that the seven youths be “immediately and unconditionally released.”
“The Nigerian authorities must respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the right of everyone to freedom of expression and assembly,” it stressed.
Protests Against Hardship
The #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, which spread across the country between August 1 and 10, 2024, were largely spearheaded by young Nigerians. Protesters took to the streets and social media to vent frustrations over worsening economic conditions, inflation, food shortages, corruption, and insecurity.
What began as small, scattered rallies in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Abuja soon grew into a nationwide movement. In Borno, residents also joined in, despite the presence of heavily armed security operatives.
The movement drew comparisons with the 2020 #EndSARS protests, as thousands mobilised online using hashtags such as #EndBadGovernance, #EndHunger, and #EndCorruption.
Reports from human rights groups confirmed widespread arrests, violent crackdowns, and multiple fatalities during the demonstrations.
Amnesty International documented that at least 24 protesters were killed when police and other security agents opened fire with live ammunition.
Government Reaction
Despite these reports, complete with names of the victims, the administration of President Bola Tinubu insisted that the protests had been hijacked by “subversive elements.” Authorities also accused organisers of plotting to destabilise the country.
Civil society organisations, however, have continued to demand accountability, describing the crackdown and convictions as a deliberate attempt to criminalise peaceful dissent.
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