Group Demands End To Trial of Abuja 11, Says Govt Using Courts to Silence Critics
The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has demanded an immediate end to what it describes as the “politically engineered and baseless” trial of the Abuja 11 activists, accusing the Nigerian government of weaponising the judiciary to crush dissent ahead of the group’s next court appearance on December 10, 2025.
SNWR, in a statement on Friday, signed by its representative, Daniel Akande, said the charges against the activists were fabricated to intimidate citizens who spoke out against the worsening hardship, hunger, corruption and insecurity under the Tinubu administration.
The group said the prolonged case marked by repeated adjournments, contradictory claims and lack of evidence, has exposed the trial as a state-backed attempt to “silence voices of resistance” rather than a search for justice.
According to the statement, Akande was forcefully taken from a worship centre and later linked to what SNWR described as “baseless and concocted allegations,” before being added to a treasonable-felony charge without any credible proof.
SNWR said that more than a year after the activists’ arrests, the prosecution has still failed to present evidence suggesting that any of the accused attempted to “wage war” against the Nigerian state.
The group also pointed to the ongoing investigation into the lead prosecutor over alleged mismanagement, abuse of office and age falsification, saying the development further reveals the lack of integrity surrounding the case.
SNWR said instead of addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerians who protested the rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and corruption, the government has responded with police crackdowns, intimidation and criminalisation of activists.
The organisation noted growing dissatisfaction even within sections of the security services, including open complaints by some military personnel, saying the development shows a deepening loss of confidence in the Tinubu government.
SNWR added that under the present economic and political conditions, Nigeria has witnessed an escalation in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, hunger and homelessness, while a privileged few continue to enrich themselves.
The group insisted that the conditions that led to the #EndBadGovernance protests have worsened, warning that the refusal of the government to address these issues would continue to heighten public anger as the country moves towards 2027.
It called on the labour movement, youths, students and working-class Nigerians to organise independently and push for a socialist alternative that would place the nation’s wealth under democratic workers’ control.
SNWR demanded that all charges against the Abuja 11 be dropped without delay and called for the immediate release of all political detainees.
The organisation appealed to labour unions, civil society groups, students’ bodies, journalists, human rights organisations and international socialist networks to stand in solidarity with the activists and intensify pressure on the government.
“An injury to one activist it said, is an injury to all,” it said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
