By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian federal government is arraigning 76 individuals, including minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Abuja for their involvement in the August #EndHunger protests. Protesters were detained for over two months, with many appearing malnourished due to prolonged detention. Security officials had to assist some in the courtroom as they were too weak to stand.
The protesters, arrested from various states, including Abuja, Kano, Plateau, Kaduna, Gombe, and Katsina, took to the streets in response to the soaring cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Fuel prices have increased from under ₦150 to ₦1,065 per liter, driving up other essential costs. Although the minimum wage was recently raised to ₦70,000, many states have yet to implement the change.
Security forces opposed the demonstrations, with reports of live ammunition used to disperse crowds, endangering both protesters and journalists covering the events.
