The lawyer representing 11 activists acquitted of treason and terrorism-related charges has demanded immediate compensation and a formal apology from the Nigerian government.

Abubakar Marshal, counsel for the #EndBadGovernance protesters, spoke outside the Federal High Court, Abuja, following Justice Emeka Nwite’s landmark ruling, which struck out all charges against the activists arrested during the August 2024 protests.

Describing the ruling as a “historic victory”, Marshal condemned the prolonged prosecution as a state-backed persecution designed to suppress dissent, insisting that his clients had done nothing more than demand good governance and accountability, rights protected under the Nigerian Constitution.

“This government sustained this charge for over a year. The only crime that these comrades committed was asking for a better society,” Marshal said.

“Chapter 2, Section 14 of the Constitution clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people. If sovereignty is vested in citizens, on what legal or moral ground did the government criminalise those same citizens for insisting that governance should serve public good?”

The 11 activists were reportedly arrested in multiple states, transported to Abuja, had their bank accounts frozen, and faced public vilification, with their activities monitored for almost two years. Marshal said the prolonged trial caused psychological trauma, economic loss, and reputational damage.

“The court has seen reason with us and has dismissed the case today and discharged and acquitted the defendants. The next demand we are making is very clear: these 11 comrades must be compensated. We are not begging,” Marshal stated.

He further called on the government to restore frozen accounts, provide financial redress, and issue a public acknowledgment affirming that the activists committed no wrongdoing.

Marshal concluded that the acquittal marks a moment to reaffirm constitutional freedoms and restore trust between citizens and the state, emphasizing that dissent in a democracy is not a crime.