The protesters, whose case was outlined in a letter from Borno State Attorney General Hauwa Abubakar, face two charges related to public disturbance. The charges allege that the defendants publicly displayed the Russian national flag and repeatedly chanted “Ba Mayi,” actions said to contravene Section 42 and Section 76(b) of Borno State’s Penal Code Law, 2023.
The accused individuals, including Halle Dahiru, Bashir Ahmad, and others aged between 18 and 26, reportedly took part in a protest on August 5, 2024, in Maiduguri. The state government has framed the case as a matter of public peace disturbance.
Hajara Shaibu, a relative of one of the detainees, appealed for leniency, urging the state to allow the accused a chance to rebuild their lives. Civil Liberties Organisation Chairman Hassan Dahiru echoed the call for mercy, arguing that linking the protest to treason is inappropriate, given the economic challenges facing the nation.
