DSS sources informed reporters that the six protesters were released after thorough investigations, while three others were expected to face charges.
ABUJA – A few days after being freed from detention, several protesters who were apprehended during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations have refuted allegations of mistreatment while held at the Kaduna State office of the Department of State Services (DSS). According to reports, six protestors were released by the DSS after their investigation concluded.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which occurred between August 1 and 10, were a reaction to the severe economic hardships faced by citizens in Nigeria. Femi Falana, a prominent human rights attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, reported that security agencies arrested a total of 2,111 demonstrators during this period.
DSS sources informed reporters that the six individuals were released after thorough investigations, while three others were expected to face charges. “The Director General is committed to the DSS’s duty to investigate and hold accountable those who misuse their rights to commit crimes,” the source stated.
During a press conference in Kaduna, the recently released protesters expressed that they had not experienced any mistreatment while in custody. Identifying themselves as DJs who provided music during the protests, they clarified that they were not among those who faced charges in Abuja.
Dahiru Hamza, also known as DJ Zariya, from Tudun Wada in Kaduna, shared that they were freed in October 2024 upon the new DSS Director General’s review of their case, which concluded they were innocent. “I was arrested on August 8, 2024. While we were detained, we were neither tortured nor deprived of food. Our release was free of bail requirements, and we were instructed to retrieve our sound equipment at the directive of the DSS,” he explained.
Hamza also revealed that he had been misinformed by some protest organizers, who claimed they had acquired permission from the authorities for the demonstration. He called on the government to create more job opportunities for the youth of Nigeria.
Similarly, Isa Abdullahi, also known as DJ SP, who worked at the Kaduna protest, further corroborated claims of no torture during his detention. He noted that he was able to maintain communication with his wife while in custody without any obstacles. He commended the DSS Director General for issuing an unconditional release.
Khaleed, identified as the protest coordinator and the one who hired the DJs, also had all charges against him dismissed per the Director General’s instructions, allowing him to return to his family.
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