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Falana Condemns Rising Use Of Treason Charges Against Nigerian Protesters
The state is weaponizing treason against its own people, which undermines the very fabric of our democracy.
Abuja, Nigeria – A human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has Condemned the increasing use of treason charges against protesters in the country.
Speaking at a two-day international anti-corruption and climate change conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Falana criticised what he described as the “tribalisation” of treason.
Falana expressed deep concern over the trend of labeling citizens as traitors for simply exercising their constitutional right to protest.
“We are witnessing an alarming misuse of treason charges to stifle dissent and silence the voices of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
“The state is weaponizing treason against its own people, which undermines the very fabric of our democracy.”
The human rights advocate questioned the rationale behind the government’s actions, arguing that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental in a democratic society.
“To protest is not a crime; it is a democratic right. Charging citizens with treason for merely expressing their dissatisfaction is an affront to justice and an abuse of power,” Falana added.
“I have been under pressure over the past 24 hours from both within Nigeria and abroad. People are questioning why treason charges are being framed along tribal lines in our country. How can protesting lead to accusations of treason?”
Falana, known for his long history of defending individuals accused of treason, reassured the public that there is no need for alarm.
He disclosed that he has already begun work on the latest case and plans to advise the government, especially President Bola Tinubu, to direct the police to withdraw the charges.
“To everyone who has expressed concern, rest assured, there is no cause for alarm,” Falana said. “We are taking up this case, and we will advise the government, particularly the President, to instruct the police to withdraw the charges. This advice is also in the government’s interest, as a treason charge is not the same as a theft charge.”
“This will be the fifth treason case I will defend in this country,” Falana added. “In the previous four cases, the government was forced to withdraw the charges because we turned the case into a trial of the government’s actions.”
Falana recalled past instances where he successfully defended clients accused of treason, stressing that such charges should not be treated lightly.
He cautioned that the misuse of treason charges could have serious repercussions for the government, as seen in previous cases.
