The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has denounced what it describes as harsh and punitive bail conditions imposed on 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement, HURIWA expressed its profound dismay, accusing the judiciary of acting more like colonial enforcers than protectors of human rights. The association argues that the court’s recent actions represent a troubling trend where judicial powers are used to stifle rather than uphold the rights of citizens.
According to THE WHISTLER, the 10 protesters face treason charges for participating in the August hunger protests that ignited nationwide discontent. The treason accusations have fueled significant backlash across the country.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, set stringent bail conditions. Each defendant is required to post a ₦10 million bail, with a matching surety who must be a property owner and resident in Abuja. Additionally, sureties must deposit property documents with the court and provide an affidavit of means.
HURIWA criticized these conditions as oppressive and indicative of a judiciary increasingly aligned with the executive branch. The association likened the court’s actions to the repressive methods of colonial rulers who sought to suppress dissent.
“The courts are behaving like relics of a colonial era, acting as agents of oppression rather than defenders of justice and fundamental rights,” said Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator. “It is inconceivable that a democratic court would criminalize peaceful protests and impose such draconian bail conditions.”
HURIWA highlighted that many of the accused are unemployed youths who were exercising their right to demand better governance and transparency—principles enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. The association argued that instead of being celebrated as patriots, these individuals are being treated as criminals, facing unrealistic bail conditions.
“These outrageous bail terms are effectively a means of denying them freedom,” HURIWA stated. “How are unemployed youths expected to come up with ₦10 million? The judiciary’s intention to keep these protesters detained is clear.”
The group warned that the court’s decision undermines democratic principles and emboldens the executive to further suppress peaceful protests. HURIWA emphasized that the right to protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that suppressing it undermines the very fabric of democratic governance.
HURIWA also voiced concerns about the judiciary’s independence, suggesting that recent rulings reflect a troubling alignment with executive authority rather than an impartial commitment to justice.
“The judiciary must remember its role as the people’s last bastion of hope,” HURIWA urged. “Courts must remain neutral and resist becoming instruments of the executive’s oppressive policies.”
The association condemned the treason charges against the protesters as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that advocating for good governance is not a crime. HURIWA questioned the necessity of such severe bail conditions if the charges are bailable, suggesting that this undermines the judiciary’s credibility.
HURIWA called on Nigeria’s judiciary leadership to address this growing trend of aligning judicial decisions with executive oppression, urging the judiciary to reassert its independence and protect fundamental freedoms.
