The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON) has issued a strong demand for the immediate release of 76 detained #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 32 minors, or face a nationwide mobilization against what it calls “state repression.” The group condemned the charges of terrorism, mutiny, and treason leveled against protesters as an attack on Nigerians’ constitutional rights to peaceful expression.
In a statement released by Convener Hauwa Mustapha on Sunday, MOTiON denounced the detentions as “an assault on the fundamental rights of citizens,” accusing the government of weaponizing state power to stifle dissent. The statement expressed concern over bail conditions set at N10 million per detainee, arguing that the charges and financial burdens are designed to keep protesters imprisoned indefinitely.
MOTiON highlighted the economic hardships that fueled the protests, including rising inflation, widespread poverty, and an unlivable cost of living, as critical issues demanding urgent government attention. The organization criticized the government’s approach, noting that instead of addressing these crises, it has resorted to “brutal repression” and appears to be prioritizing policies influenced by external institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.
“The coordinated suppression of public expression aligns disturbingly with an IMF and World Bank agenda, notorious for pressuring governments to impose oppressive economic reforms while silencing opposition,” the statement said. MOTiON asserted that this repression signals “a dangerous blend of dictatorship under the guise of democracy,” accusing the administration of pursuing state control at the expense of its citizens’ rights.
Demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, MOTiON urged the Attorney General of the Federation to withdraw “baseless charges” and end the criminalization of peaceful protest. The group warned that failure to act on these demands would lead to mass mobilization efforts to challenge what they view as unrestrained tyranny.
MOTiON, a coalition of Nigerian organizations spanning workers’ groups, pro-democracy movements, social justice advocates, youth and climate activists, described itself as “a movement of movements” committed to challenging elite corruption, ineffective governance, and the culture of impunity in Nigeria.
“If these demands are not met, MOTiON will join with millions of Nigerians to resist this unbridled repression and stand firm for justice and democracy,” the group said.
