Protest Rocks Nigerian Human Rights Commission As Protesters Demand End To ‘sham Trial’ Of Activists

 

The demonstrators gathered at the Commission’s office carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the Persecution of Activists,” “Hands Off Soweto,” “No To Demolition, Housing Is Human Rights,” “Defend Democratic Rights,” and “Justice for Soweto and Frank.”

Members of the Abuja Left Coalition on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja, demanding an immediate halt to what they described as the “sham trial” of activist, Hassan Taiwo Soweto and community advocate, Femi Frank.

The demonstrators gathered at the Commission’s office carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop the Persecution of Activists,” “Hands Off Soweto,” “No To Demolition, Housing Is Human Rights,” “Defend Democratic Rights,” and “Justice for Soweto and Frank.”

The protesters accused authorities of weaponising the judicial process to intimidate and silence voices critical of government policies.

Addressing journalists during the protest, coalition leaders, Gerald Katchy and Adaramoye Lenin, condemned the continued prosecution of the activists, warning that it represents a dangerous assault on democratic freedoms and the right to dissent.

Katchy also questioned why the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, was being considered for promotion despite allegations surrounding the case.

“They wonder why the CP will be promoted when he has so many cases to answer,” Katchy said during the protest.

He further asked, “Are intimidation, attacks and oppression now the yardstick for promotion in the Nigerian police?”

According to the protesters, the charges against Soweto and Frank are politically motivated and designed to criminalise legitimate activism and civic engagement.

The group urged the Human Rights Commission to intervene urgently to ensure that the rights of the accused activists are protected and that the judicial process is not manipulated for political ends.

The protesters also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged attack involving Commissioner Moshood.

“We are here to defend democracy and fundamental human rights. The persecution of activists for expressing their views is unacceptable,” one of the protest leaders told reporters.

During the demonstration, the coalition submitted a formal petition to officials of the Commission, urging it to use its constitutional mandate to investigate the matter and make recommendations to the appropriate authorities.

The petition also called for transparency and accountability from security agencies, insisting that any abuse of power must be thoroughly investigated.

The protesters vowed to continue mobilising civil society organisations and progressive groups across Nigeria until the charges against Soweto and Frank are dropped and a credible investigation is conducted into the incident involving the Lagos police commissioner.

The demonstration ended peacefully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to defending democratic rights and civil liberties in Nigeria.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS