Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of intentionally delaying the trial of 11 activists arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest held on August 1, 2024.
The protesters, who are facing treason charges, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 25, 2025. However, the case could not proceed after police prosecutors requested another adjournment, citing missing case files allegedly taken by a former police officer.
Sowore criticized the prosecution’s explanation, stating that the police claimed the files were in possession of Simon Lough (SAN), a former police prosecutor who has been dismissed from the force. He described the development as a stalling tactic meant to frustrate the activists and derail the case.
According to Sowore, Lough—who was reportedly removed from service—is also expected to face charges of age falsification, raising concerns about the legitimacy and preparedness of the prosecution.
The 11 accused activists were arrested during peaceful demonstrations in 2024, which sought to draw attention to Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis, rising insecurity, and government mismanagement. The protest was part of a renewed wave of civic action inspired by the 2020 #EndSARS movement.
After their arrest, the protesters were detained for over two months before being granted bail under what rights groups described as harsh and unfair conditions. Their ongoing trial has faced repeated delays since charges were first filed in November 2024.
One of the defendants, Michael Lenin, condemned the latest adjournment and urged Nigerians to resist what he described as an attack on democratic freedoms and civil rights. He called for public pressure on the government to drop all charges against the activists.
Legal representatives for the protesters, including Barristers Deji Adeyanju and Marshal Abubakar, opposed the prosecution’s request for more time. They accused the government of using the judiciary to suppress dissent and warned that continued delays undermine the rule of law.
Following arguments from both sides, the trial judge adjourned the case to October 9, 2025, with a clear warning that the case may be struck out if the prosecution fails to proceed without further excuses.
The trial has drawn significant public interest, both nationally and internationally, amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and civic activism in Nigeria.
