BREAKING: #EndBadGovernance Activists Michael Lenin, Sodiq, and Eleojo Simeon Released from Kuje Prison
Three activists who were detained by the Nigerian government for participating in the August 1-10 nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests have regained their freedom. The protests demanded better governance and an end to poor economic policies.
The released activists are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, known as “Lenin,” Mosiu Sadiq, and Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon.
Confirming their release, fellow activist Francis Nwapa stated, “Comrade Michael Adaramoye Lenin, the National Coordinator of Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), and Mosiu Sadiq have just left Kuje Prison. Thank you all for the solidarity! We will continue to push until everyone is released. Solidarity!”
Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore also confirmed the news, saying, “Three of our comrades, imprisoned for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, have fulfilled their bail conditions and are now out of Kuje prison. They are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye ‘Lenin,’ Mosiu Sadiq, and Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon. We eagerly await the final release of others, including Isaac.”
The activists were arrested by police and other security forces in various locations across Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe while exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On September 2, 2024, the protesters were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges, including treasonable felony. The court granted bail to the ten defendants on September 11, requiring N10 million each and one surety of the same amount. Despite struggling to meet the conditions, the activists remained defiant and determined, even when brought to court in handcuffs under tight security.
The defendants, who face six charges related to treason, conspiracy, and incitement to mutiny, include Michael Adaramoye (Lenin), Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair. These charges are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
