By Garald
Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT)
The Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT) strongly condemns the ongoing persecution of the 11 peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters in Abuja (“Abuja 11”), who are scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, to face what the organisation describes as fabricated, politically motivated, and unconstitutional treason charges.
According to INAHURAT, the Abuja 11 were arrested solely for exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression rights protected under Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
“Their arrest and prosecution constitute a grave assault on democratic freedoms, civic engagement, and the rule of law in Nigeria,” the statement said.
“Peaceful protest is not treason.
Dissent is not a crime.
Human rights activism is not insurrection.”**
INAHURAT warns that weaponizing the justice system against peaceful citizens signals a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism and contradicts Nigeria’s global commitments to human rights—particularly ironic on the eve of the UDHR anniversary, commemorated worldwide on 10 December.
The charges against the protesters are unconstitutional, unfounded, and lack any legal merit.
No violence, sabotage, or threat to national security was linked to the actions of the Abuja 11.
Their continued arrest and prosecution violate both domestic and international human rights standards protecting peaceful assembly and free expression.
Treason, a capital offence, applies to attempts to overthrow the state—not to citizens holding placards or demanding better governance.
Criminalising peaceful protest undermines Nigeria’s democracy and suppresses legitimate civic participation.
INAHURAT calls on the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Judiciary to:
1. Immediately dismiss all charges against the Abuja 11.
2. Release any protesters still in detention.
3. End the criminalisation of peaceful protest across the country.
4. Investigate reported abuses and rights violations suffered by the protesters.
5. Guarantee the safety and rights of all persons attending the court session.
As the world marks International Human Rights Day on 10 December, INAHURAT urges:
International human rights organisations,
Diplomatic missions,
The United Nations and African regional bodies,
Global civil society and labour unions,
Media organisations worldwide,
to stand in solidarity with the Abuja 11 and demand the immediate withdrawal of all charges.
“Nigeria cannot commemorate Human Rights Day while simultaneously prosecuting peaceful protesters with treason charges. The world must not remain silent.”
INAHURAT urges:
Civil society groups,
Trade unions,
Student movements,
Community organisations,
Journalists and human rights defenders,
All citizens of conscience,
to show peaceful solidarity at the Federal High Court, Shehu Shagari Expressway, CBD Abuja, at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
“Democracy demands vigilance.
Human rights demand courage.
Nigeria demands truth.”
The Abuja 11 are not criminals; they are citizens who exercised their democratic rights. Their prosecution represents an attack on the very freedoms Nigerians have fought to protect.
As the world celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, INAHURAT calls on the Nigerian state to choose justice over oppression, democracy over fear, and the rule of law over political intimidation.
INAHURAT stands firmly with the Abuja 11 and demands the immediate withdrawal of all charges.
