Amnesty International condemns jailing of seven youths in Borno over End Bad Governance protest

Amnesty International has condemned the conviction and sentencing of seven youths in Borno State over their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest, describing the trial as a “sham” based on “bogus charges.”

In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, the human rights body said the youths were handed varying punishments by a court in Maiduguri, ranging from community service and caning for minors to five years’ imprisonment for adults.

Those convicted were identified as Mohammed Ali, Muhammed Gajimi (17), Muhammed Mustapha, also known as Gudusu (14), Muhammed Mustapha, also known as Abbas (15), Muhammed Kyari, Muhammed Bukar, and Ibrahim Muhammed.

According to Amnesty, The Borno State Government accused them of forming a WhatsApp group called Zanga Zanga to allegedly take up arms against the government. Amnesty dismissed the allegation as “beyond bizarre” and “a blatant attempt to silence dissent.”

“These youths have done absolutely nothing wrong. It’s beggars belief that they are behind bars for daring to peacefully express dissent over widespread hunger and corruption in Nigeria,” the organization said.

Amnesty International urged the relevant authorities to quash the convictions and immediately release all seven, while calling for respect for citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Amnesty International condemns jailing of seven youths in Borno over End Bad Governance protest