Court Strikes Out Charges Against 119 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

End bad governance protesters

A Nigerian court has officially struck out charges against 119 individuals who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place in 2020. The protesters, who had been accused of various offenses, including unlawful assembly and incitement, were cleared after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against them.

The case has drawn significant attention, as the #EndBadGovernance movement—rooted in calls for improved governance, transparency, and accountability—has become a symbol of youth activism in Nigeria. The protests, which erupted in response to widespread discontent over government corruption, human rights abuses, and economic challenges, led to a wave of arrests across the country. Many of the detainees had been accused of violating public order laws, but human rights organizations have consistently argued that their arrests were politically motivated.

This latest ruling is seen as a victory for free speech and peaceful assembly, with legal observers noting that it reflects a growing push for justice for protesters who were caught up in what many view as a politically charged crackdown on dissent.

While the ruling has been welcomed by activists and supporters of the #EndBadGovernance movement, many remain focused on the broader issues that led to the protests, including the ongoing demands for better governance and the reform of Nigeria's security forces. Despite the legal victory, the protesters’ message about holding the government accountable remains as urgent as ever.

As the case concludes, attention is now turning to the larger social and political questions that continue to drive protest movements across the country. For many, this court decision serves as a reminder that the fight for accountability and good governance is far from over.