The Nigerian government’s ongoing crackdown on key leaders of the #EndBadGovernance protests has escalated tensions in Abuja, as the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) calls for the immediate release of four activists detained under controversial circumstances.
In the early hours of Monday, security forces allegedly abducted Adaramola Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the YRC, alongside Oluajo Babatunde, widely known as “Sankara,” Mosiu Sodiq, and another unidentified individual.
The activists were reportedly taken from their homes, following their involvement in the protests, which have drawn significant attention to the perceived failures of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The arrests, described by many as “midnight raids,” have ignited widespread concern over the shrinking space for free expression and assembly in Nigeria.
The Youth Rights Campaign has condemned the detentions as a calculated move to silence dissent and intimidate those who speak out against the government.
Francis Nwapa, a spokesperson for the YRC, issued a statement on Thursday demanding the activists’ immediate release and criticized the tactics employed by the security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force.
Nwapa confirmed that Lenin and Sankara had been handed over to the police’s Intelligence Response Team and called the detentions a blatant violation of democratic rights.
“This government is using fear and repression to stifle legitimate protest,” Nwapa said.
“We will not be silenced. The Nigerian people have the right to speak out against bad governance without the threat of abduction or torture.”
The arrests come as a direct response to the #EndBadGovernance protest, which started on August 1 and meant to last till August 10.
The protests, which have largely been peaceful, reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of various socio-economic issues.
Activists like Lenin have been vocal critics of Tinubu’s policies, accusing the administration of failing to address the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges.
Prior to his arrest, Lenin had openly criticized President Tinubu’s approach to the protests, rejecting the administration’s narrative that the demonstrations are part of a broader political agenda to destabilize the country. Instead, Lenin argued that the protests represent a lawful and necessary response to the government’s ongoing failures.
“The president’s attempts to discredit this movement by claiming it’s politically motivated are simply untrue,” Lenin said in a statement before his detention.
“We are fighting for justice and accountability, not to undermine the state.”
The manner of Lenin’s arrest has particularly shocked many, with reports emerging that he was violently taken from his home at around 2 a.m., allegedly tortured in front of his family, and swiftly transferred to DSS custody.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, condemned the tactics used by the security forces and demanded Lenin’s immediate release.
“The government’s use of force against peaceful protesters and their leaders is unacceptable,” Adenola stated. “This is not just an attack on Lenin and the others; it is an attack on the very principles of democracy and freedom.”
As the call for the activists’ release gains momentum, the Tinubu administration faces growing criticism both domestically and internationally for its handling of dissent.
The Youth Rights Campaign and its allies have vowed to intensify their efforts to secure the release of the detained activists and to continue their advocacy for the protection of democratic rights in Nigeria.
The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely to see how the government will respond to the mounting pressure from civil society groups demanding justice for the detained protest leaders.