PROTESTERS BEHIND BARS: THE ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SUPPRESSING CIVIL LIBERTIES AND DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Globally, the exercise of civil liberties and democratic participation is vital for a functioning democracy, as it allows citizens to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their leaders. According to Ayodele (2019), in democratic societies, the right to dissent and peaceful protest is widely acknowledged as a fundamental aspect of freedom of expression. It provides citizens the opportunity to voice their grievances, influence public policy, and hold governments accountable. In sub-saharan Africa, protests have been a key form of civic engagement and expression, often taking the shape of movements against government policies perceived to be oppressive or unjust especially among the youth populace who is be. The sweeping changes across the continent did not pass without Nigerian citizens taking note.

One notable example is the #EndSARS protest of 2020, where Nigerian youths rallied against police brutality and systemic corruption (Amnesty International, 2020). According to Onwunyi & Udegbunam, (2021), prior to the #ENDSARS Movement of 2020, the youths were divided mostly along ethno-religious lines, which were masterfully deployed by the political elites over the years to their political advantage and to the loss of the people. But the #ENDSARS protest galvanized the Nigerian youth, particularly from the southern part of the Country. However, these protests have often been met with harsh responses from law enforcement agencies, resulting in arrests, detentions, and even deaths, as seen during the October 20, 2020, Lekki Toll Gate incident (Premium Times, 2020). Without discouragement, the laudable achievements recorded during that protest was an eye opener to the youths on the enormous power at their disposal to effect lasting change in the polity. This was amply reenacted in the most nonviolent way in 2024.   

The Tinubu led administration which took over power in May, 2024, has implement programs and policies which has deepen economic downturn on the standard of living of Nigerian.  Initiative like monetary tightening measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria to control inflation, fuel subsidy removal, fiscal reforms to increase government revenue, and social investment programs to support vulnerable populations have had adverse short-term effects on the poor and middle class, exacerbating the economic hardship (Financial Times, 2024). Habib (2024) states that the situation comes with spectrum of challenges, such as inadequate monthly salaries that fail to support individuals for a few weeks, difficulty in securing employment, inability to afford children's school fees, government and employers' inability to pay workers' salaries, negative impact on individuals' incomes and profits, job loss due to employers' inability to meet salary obligations, persistent increase in the prices of goods and services and some Nigerians had resorted to scavenging as a means of survival.

 Isenyo (2024) states that due to the continues hardship in the land, enraged youths and women demonstrated on the streets from 1st to 10th August, 2024 to express their discontent with the increasing cost of living in the country. The EndBadGovernance protest can be viewed within the broader context of insecurity in Nigeria. The protestors highlight the issues of economic hardship, youth unemployment, and systemic corruption that have long plagued the nation (Nwosu & Obikwelu, 2019). This situation has been exacerbated by a government seen by many as unresponsive to the needs of its people.  The rise of the EndBadGovernance protest under President Tinubu’s  2024 administration signals a continuation of this struggle between citizens and the state. Protesters have taken to the streets to demand better governance, transparency, and the upholding of human rights. However, the state’s response has been to deploy law enforcement agencies to suppress these demonstrations. This pattern mirrors historical instances where state machinery is used to maintain the status quo by restricting civil liberties and stifling democratic participation (Ibeanu, 2006). Under President Tinubu’s administration, the EndBadGovernance protests have been characterized by mass arrests and crackdowns on peaceful assembly. Critics argue that this approach reflects a broader trend of authoritarianism and a lack of tolerance for dissent in Nigerian governance (Human Rights Watch, 2024). The state’s response raises concern about the shrinking space for civil society and the potential long-term impact on Nigeria's democratic trajectory. By examining this case, it becomes evident that law enforcement agencies often operate under political influence, thereby prioritizing regime security over citizens' rights.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It is no doubt that in theory, democratic governance flourishes in societies where citizens are free to express dissent and hold the government accountable through peaceful protests (Dahl, 2018). However, in Nigeria, there is a growing trend of criminalizing dissent, as state forces have increasingly resorted to arresting and detaining protesters (Amnesty International, 2020). 

The EndBadGovernance protest under the Tinubu administration in 2024 has again brought this issue to the forefront. While protests are a legitimate form of political expression and civic engagement, the Nigerian government's response has been marked by arrests, detention without trial, and excessive use of force (Amnesty International, 2024). For instance, in a now familiar scenario, the Nigerian government has arraigned about 10 persons arrested in connection with the #EndbadGovernance protests that hit major cities in August and charged them with treason. The police arraigned them at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they pleaded not guilty to all six charges of conspiracy to commit treason, attempting to destabilize Nigeria, seeking to remove the president, waging war against the government, and inciting mutiny. According to the charges, the protesters did these by attacking and injuring police officers and torching police stations, the High Court Complex, NCC Complex, Kano Printing Press, Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency Office, NURTW Office and “several other buildings”. 

According to Uzondu & Hellen (2021) These actions have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the shrinking of democratic spaces. The use of law enforcement to suppress protests in Nigeria has become a recurring phenomenon, often resulting in the violation of fundamental human rights. This approach creates an environment of fear, discouraging citizens from exercising their rights to free speech and assembly. The suppression of civil liberties poses a significant challenge to democratic participation in Nigeria, as it prevents the public from holding their leaders accountable.

Existing studies have examined the patterns of state responses to protests, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in maintaining public order. However, these studies often overlook the broader implications of such suppression on democratic participation and the exercise of civil liberties. For instance, while Ajayi (2018) discusses the relationship between state security and civil liberties, there is a need for more context-specific analyses, particularly concerning the EndBadGovernance protest. Therefore, this study seeks to fill these gaps by providing an in-depth analysis of the EndBadGovernance protest and the role of law enforcement in suppressing civil liberties. 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is focused on #Endbadgovernance protesters behind bars: the role of law enforcement in suppressing civil liberties and democratic participation in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to: 

examine the factors that led to #EndBadGovernance protest under Tinubu-Led administration

investigate the reasons behind arresting #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria.

determine the role of law enforcement in suppressing civil liberties during the EndBadGovernance protest under the Tinubu administration in 2024.

analyze the impact of law enforcement suppression of protests on democratic participation in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the causes of #EndBadGovernance protest under Tinubu-Led administration?

What are the reasons behind arresting #EndBadGovernance protesters in Nigeria?

What role did law enforcement play in suppressing civil liberties during the EndBadGovernance protest under the Tinubu administration in 2024?

How has the suppression of the EndBadGovernance protest affected democratic participation in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Putting protesters behind bars by law enforcement has no significant impact on civil libersties and democratic participation in Nigeria.

Hi: Putting protesters behind bars by law enforcement has  a significant impact on civil libersties and democratic participation in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Practically, this study is significant for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, educators, and civil society organizations. It provides insights into how the suppression of protests affects civil liberties and democratic engagement, highlighting the need for law enforcement practices that uphold human rights while maintaining public order. Understanding the impact of protest suppression on educational access and outcomes can guide policy interventions to ensure a conducive learning environment, even in times of political unrest. For civil society, the findings may inform strategies for advocating for democratic reforms and the protection of civil liberties.

Theoretically, the study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between state power, civil liberties, and democratic participation. It expands the literature on protest dynamics and state responses, offering a nuanced perspective on the Nigerian context. By linking protest suppression to educational outcomes, the research provides a novel theoretical framework for analyzing the broader societal implications of law enforcement actions. This framework can be employed in future studies examining the intersection of security, democracy, and social development.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the EndBadGovernance protest under the Tinubu administration in 2024. It examines the role of law enforcement in suppressing civil liberties and the consequent effects on democratic participation. Geographically, the study covers major city like Kano state where the protests were most prominent.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

This study faces certain limitations, including the availability of data on law enforcement actions during the EndBadGovernance protests. Information on the government's internal decision-making processes regarding protest suppression may be difficult to obtain due to the sensitive nature of state security operations. This limitation may constrain the study's ability to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state's rationale behind the suppression.

Another limitation is the potential bias in sources of information. Reports on protest suppression, especially from government and opposition groups, may present polarized views. To mitigate this, the study will employ a triangulation method, utilizing multiple data sources such as interviews, media reports, and academic analyses to ensure a balanced representation of events.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Civil Liberties: Fundamental individual rights protected by law, including freedom of speech, assembly, and expression, which are essential for democratic participation.

Law Enforcement: State agencies responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and enforcing laws, including the police and other security forces.

Democratic Participation: The active involvement of citizens in the political process, including voting, protesting, and engaging in public debates to influence decision-making.

Protester: An individual or group of people who publicly demonstrate or voice opposition to government policies or actions.

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