RULAAC decries violent crackdown on youth protests, demands justice, reforms

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) expresses its deep outrage at the continuing abuse and misuse of state power by Nigerian authorities, particularly the violent repression and criminalisation of peaceful youth protests across the country.

According to the Executive Director, RULAAC, Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, these actions represent a dangerous erosion of constitutional democracy, a betrayal of the social contract, and a profound failure of governance.

Over the past two decades, insecurity in Nigeria has metastasised from isolated incidents into a nationwide crisis. Kidnappings, banditry, communal violence, and criminality now define everyday life for millions of citizens, with young people bearing the heaviest burden.

Faced with a state that has failed to guarantee safety, livelihoods, or a future, Nigerian youths have increasingly turned to peaceful protest—an exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to expression and assembly. Disturbingly, the state’s consistent response has not been dialogue or protection, but violence, arbitrary arrests, and punitive prosecutions.

The events in Ekpoma, Edo State, in January 2026 exemplify this pattern of repression. Following the kidnapping of Akhabhe Favour and a former Ambrose Alli University Students’ Union leader, students and youths organised peaceful demonstrations to demand government action.

Instead of responding to legitimate security concerns, the university management publicly distanced itself from the protesters, effectively abandoning students to state repression.

This institutional cowardice mirrors a wider governance culture in which authorities prioritise self-preservation over the safety and rights of citizens.

The situation escalated further on January 10, 2026, after the kidnapping of 18 bus passengers and two medical doctors—one reportedly killed. Protests erupted again in Ekpoma, only for the authorities to arrest 52 youths and arraign them before the Benin High Court on charges as grave as malicious damage and armed robbery, resulting in their remand to Ubiaja Correctional Centre.

Even more alarming was the shooting of 32-year-old protester Osagie Abraham by the Nigerian Army, an incident confirmed by the Edo State Police Command. The bitter irony is unmistakable: citizens demanding protection from violent criminals were treated as criminals themselves, while those perpetrating kidnappings continued to operate with impunity.

This is not an isolated occurrence. In August 2024, during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests against economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures, the state arrested at least 124 protesters across several states.

The decision to charge ten of them with treason was particularly chilling. It revealed a governing mindset that equates civic engagement with subversion and dissent with an attack on state authority. Such actions send a clear and dangerous message to Nigerian youths: your grievances are illegitimate, and your constitutional rights are conditional.

RULAAC strongly condemned the systematic abuse of authority and power.

A government that responds to peaceful protests with bullets, mass arrests, and spurious charges has abdicated its responsibility to protect lives and property.

The conduct represented a grave breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.

They therefore call for urgent and comprehensive reforms, including, the immediate and unconditional release of all persons detained solely for participating in peaceful protests.

An independent, impartial inquiry into the killing and use of force against peaceful demonstrators, including the shooting of Osagie Abraham.

Prosecution of all security personnel and officials found responsible for unlawful violence and rights violations.

Explicit legislative protections against the criminalisation of peaceful protest, with clear sanctions for state officials who violate these rights.

An independent oversight body with the power to investigate and prosecute security force violence against demonstrators.

The establishment of a dedicated legal aid fund to support citizens prosecuted for exercising their constitutional rights.

Reform of judicial appointment and disciplinary processes to insulate the judiciary from executive influence.

Mechanisms for swift judicial review and dismissal of politically motivated prosecutions.

Clear consequences for judicial officers who enable rights violations through complicit or reckless rulings.

Mandated youth representation on state and federal security councils. Institutionalised consultation mechanisms to ensure youth perspectives shape security policies. Support for youth-led security monitoring committees with authority to document and report abuses by security agencies.

The future of Nigeria is inseparable from the future of its youth. A nation that criminalises its young people for demanding safety, justice, and accountability is actively sabotaging its own prospects.

Nigeria’s leaders face a defining choice: continue down the path of repression and alienation, or embrace reforms that restore trust, protect rights, and create the conditions for young people to thrive.

RULAAC insisted that justice, accountability, and respect for constitutional freedoms are not optional.

They are the foundation of any legitimate and secure society. Without them, insecurity will persist, and the gulf between the state and its citizens will only widen.