No fewer than 26 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Kaduna State have been remanded in correctional facilities following their arrest on August 1 at the Government House, Kaduna.
The protesters were charged before a magistrate court with various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, mischief by fire, joining an unlawful assembly, rioting, and unlawful possession of weapons.
According to the police First Information Report (FIR), the suspects were remanded after failing to meet bail conditions.
The police spokesperson in Kaduna, Mansur Hassan, announced fresh arrests, with an additional 39 suspects apprehended on Monday.
“The Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended 39 suspects who exploited the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest,” Hassan stated. Among those arrested was a tailor producing Russian flags for the protesters.
Hassan detailed the actions of the suspects, saying, “These individuals, seen displaying Russian and Chinese flags, mobilised and engaged in the vandalisation of private and public properties. Among the damaged properties were a Hilux vehicle belonging to KADVS, a Toyota Yaris owned by a journalist, and the KASTLEA office in Zone 6, Zaria, which was set on fire.”
He added that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to restore order. During the confrontation, the suspects became hostile, using stones, catapults, and other weapons. Officers managed to calm the situation with minimal use of tear gas.
“In total, 39 suspects were arrested at the scene, including a tailor who was sewing the foreign flags for the group. The police recovered 38 Russian flags, one Chinese flag, two catapults with a bag of stones, and various vandalised items,” Hassan reported.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, commended his officers and issued a stern warning to residents to adhere to the imposed curfew.
“The commissioner also appeals to all citizens to cooperate with the police and other security agencies during this critical period. The curfew is in place to protect lives and property and ensure the swift restoration of peace in Kaduna State,” Hassan conveyed.