Released #EndBadGovernance Protesters Deny Torture Claims, Praise DSS Release Orders

Recently freed protesters from the August 2024 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations in Kaduna have refuted claims of torture during their detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). Six individuals, including DJs who provided music for the protest, were released last month following a review by the new DSS Director General, who determined they had no involvement in criminal activities.

The August protests, held across Nigeria, were fueled by widespread economic hardship, leading to the detention of over 2,000 individuals nationwide. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana reported that security forces arrested 2,111 people during the demonstrations, sparking public scrutiny over detainee treatment.

Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Sunday, Dahiru Hamza, also known as DJ Zariya, confirmed that although he and his colleagues were detained, they experienced no mistreatment or starvation in custody. Hamza clarified that he and his team were not among those brought before the Abuja court. “We were detained but not harmed. Our release was ordered by the DSS Director General without any bail requirements, and we were even permitted to retrieve our sound equipment,” he stated.

Another DJ, Isa Abdullahi (DJ SP), also denied any mistreatment and expressed gratitude for the DSS’s fair handling of their case, allowing him to communicate with family while in custody. He commended the DSS Director General for his prompt decision to clear and release them without conditions.

Khaleed, the protest coordinator who initially recruited the DJs, was likewise released, with all charges dismissed. Khaleed expressed relief over his return to his family, explaining that he had been assured by protest organizers that security clearance was in place for the demonstration.

Hamza urged the government to focus on job creation for Nigerian youth, emphasizing the importance of addressing economic hardships that drive such protests.