Seven Nigerian youths have been convicted and sentenced in Borno State, Nigeria, over their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests that occurred nationwide between August 1 and 10, 2024. The youths, some of whom are minors aged between 14 and 17 years, were charged by Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration for creating a “Protest Group” named ‘Zanga Zanga’ on WhatsApp, with the alleged intent to take up arms against the government. Sentences included five years in prison for adults, along with community services and public flogging (caning for children).

Amnesty International Nigeria first revealed these convictions, identifying some of the jailed individuals as Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Gajimi (alias Bakura, 17 years old), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Gudusu, 14 years old), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Abbas, 15 years old), Muhammed Kyari (alias Mome), Muhammed Bukar (alias Awana), and Ibrahim Muhammed (alias Babayo). The global human rights advocacy organization strongly condemned the Borno state government, describing the trial as a “sham” based on “bogus charges.” Amnesty International asserted that these “outrageous convictions” are a “blatant attempt to silence these youths” and serve as a threat to anyone who dares to speak out against injustice. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all seven youths and urged Nigerian authorities to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

The #EndBadGovernance protests were driven by young Nigerians expressing anger over worsening economic hardship, spiraling inflation, food shortages, corruption, and insecurity. These demonstrations, which started in cities like Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Abuja, quickly spread across several states, including Borno. The movement echoed the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations, with participants mobilizing support through hashtags like #EndBadGovernance, #EndHunger, and #EndCorruption. Human rights groups reported numerous arrests, violent crackdowns by security forces, and multiple deaths during these protests, with Amnesty International specifically reporting at least 24 protesters killed. Despite these reports, President Bola Tinubu’s administration maintained that the protests were infiltrated by “subversive elements” attempting to destabilize the country.

Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, also condemned Governor Babagana Zulum's actions as “totally insane.” Sowore accused Governor Zulum’s administration of hypocrisy, alleging that it rewards “repentant” Boko Haram militants with billions of naira while criminalizing peaceful dissent by jailing innocent youths. He emphasized that these young people committed no crime other than exercising their constitutional right to association and expression. Sowore joined the call for the immediate and unconditional release of the youths, demanding an official apology, compensation, and rehabilitation from Governor Zulum. He also held the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accountable for the arrests and prosecution.

Further condemnation came from the Concerned Students Movement (CSM) Nigeria, which described the trial as a “sham” and the punishments as “outrageous.” The group, through its representative Feranmi Gabriel, affirmed solidarity with the convicted youths and dismissed the charges, including the “Zanga Zanga” WhatsApp group claim, as “bizarre” and a “shameful fabrication.” CSM viewed the convictions as a deliberate attempt to silence dissent, intimidate young people, and suppress voices against injustice, hunger, and corruption. They reiterated the demand for immediate and unconditional release and called on the Borno State Government to quash the convictions, urging civil society groups, student unions, human rights defenders, and the international community to take action against this injustice.