Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana has issued a firm warning to the Nigerian Police, demanding that the police should charge the #EndSARS protesters currently held in prison custody before August 25, or face the prospect of legal action.
Falana gave the ultimatum in a statement titled ‘HALT THE CLAMPDOWN ON PROTESTERS’.
He said, “Out of the 2,111 arrested suspects, 1,403 have been arraigned in various courts. Painfully, the suspects were ordered to be remanded in prison custody due to a lack of legal representation.
“The suspects were denied legal representation even though the Nigerian Bar Association had publicly announced its intention to provide lawyers to defend them.
“We have also confirmed that individual lawyers who had applied for the bail of the detained suspects in police stations were not informed that they were going to be arraigned in the courts.
“We submit that the decision by the authorities to deny the suspects legal representation constitutes a violent breach of their fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
“This is highly discriminatory and illegal on the ground that politically exposed persons who are arrested for looting the treasury to the tune of several billions of Naira are usually informed in advance of the dates and of their arraignment in the courts. Such highly placed suspected looters are always granted bail in liberal terms and even authorised by trial judges to travel abroad for medical treatment.”
Falana’s accusations bring attention to the systemic barriers impeding access to justice in Nigeria and raise concerns over potential rights violations perpetrated against those exercising their constitutional right to protest. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for judicial reform and improved protections for individuals caught up in the legal system.
As the case gains increased public scrutiny, pressure mounts on authorities to ensure due process is upheld and that the rights of these protesters are respected. Falana’s ongoing advocacy plays a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and pushing for a more transparent, fair judicial process for all Nigerians.
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