HURIWA Condemns DSS Raid on #EndBadGovernance Protest Leader, Demands Release

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) raid on the residence of Micheal Lenin, a prominent leader of the ongoing Endbadgovernance protests in Abuja.

Lenin was reportedly arrested early Monday morning in what HURIWA describes as a blatant violation of constitutional rights and an example of forceful suppression of peaceful demonstrations.

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, called for Lenin’s immediate and unconditional release. He denounced the raid as unconstitutional and urged that such operations by armed security forces be discontinued.

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HURIWA emphasized the need for security forces to adhere to international human rights standards and the provisions of Chapter 4 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

HURIWA criticized the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Police Command for their use of excessive force to suppress dissent.

The group condemned the deployment of tear gas canisters into residential areas, including homes of nursing mothers, during recent protests at the Area 1 Garki motor park.

The organization also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct security forces to avoid brutal tactics, including the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters.

HURIWA warned that continued heavy-handedness could provoke violent responses from aggrieved citizens.

Furthermore, HURIWA rebuked the display of Russian flags by some protesters in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kano States, condemning any support for authoritarian regimes like Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

They emphasized the need to uphold and strengthen Nigeria’s constitutional democracy rather than succumbing to totalitarian ideals.

The raid on Lenin’s home in Apo, Abuja, occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday. According to Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Lenin was arrested and allegedly assaulted during the raid. Adenola has called for Lenin’s immediate release.

Lenin, who is the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, had recently criticized President Tinubu’s address regarding the protests, expressing disappointment in the President’s perceived disconnect with the realities of the country.

Lenin and other protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, calling on citizens to join in until their demands are met.

As of now, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya has not responded to requests for comment on the incident.