At least 26 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstration in Kaduna State were remanded in correctional facilities on Monday.
They appeared before a magistrate court facing charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, mischief by fire, unlawful assembly, armed with offensive weapons, rioting, and unlawful possession of weapons.
The police First Information Report, explained that these individuals were apprehended on 1 August at the Government House, Kaduna, during the protest.
The magistrate ordered their remand after they failed to meet bail conditions.
On the same day, the police in Kaduna State arrested an additional 39 suspects.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Mansur Hassan, stated that among those detained was a tailor who was producing Russian flags for the protesters.
“The Kaduna State Police Command has successfully apprehended 39 suspects who exploited the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest. These individuals, seen displaying Russian and Chinese flags, mobilized and engaged in the vandalization of private and public properties.
“Among the damaged properties were a Hilux vehicle belonging to KADVS, a Toyota Yaris owned by a journalist, and the KASTLEA office in Zone 6, Zaria, which was set on fire,” the police statement read.
Hassan noted that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to restore order.
During the confrontation, the suspects became hostile, using stones, catapults, and other weapons.
Officers managed to calm the situation with minimal use of tear gas.
“In total, 39 suspects were arrested at the scene, including a tailor who was sewing the foreign flags for the group. The police recovered 38 Russian flags, one Chinese flag, two catapults with a bag of stones, and various vandalized items.
“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, psc, while commending his officers, issued a stern warning to all residents to adhere to the imposed curfew. He assured that violators would face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.
“The commissioner also appeals to all citizens to cooperate with the police and other security agencies during this critical period. The curfew is in place to protect lives and property and ensure the swift restoration of peace in Kaduna State,” the police spokesperson said.
