Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to intervene in the detention of protesters from Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State over the killing of a district head, Mohammed Isa Bawa.
On August 21, 2024, Bawa was kidnapped and killed. His death led to a protest within the community.
Fifteen youths who participated in the protest were subsequently arrested and detained.
However, Adeyanju said those arrested were only expressing their fundamental human rights.
In a letter addressed to Fagbemi, the activist lawyer urged the AGF to intervene in releasing the protesters.
The letter titled, ‘Request for Intervention in the Matter of the Detention of Protesters from Sabon Birni Local Area’, reads: “We act solicitors to the persons whose names are listed in the attached schedule to this letter (hereinafter referred to as our clients) on whose instruction we act.
“We respectfully write to bring to your attention and seek your esteemed intervention regarding the tragic killing of Alhaji Mohammed Isa Bawa, a district head in Sabon Birni Local Government Area who was killed by kidnappers on August 21, 2024 and the subsequent arrest and detention of 15 youths from the community who participated in a protest against the incident.
“The killing of the district head caused outrage in the community, leading a group of youths in the community to organize a peaceful protest on August 23, 2024.
“While we recognize and support the government’s role in maintaining law and order, we believe that the arrested individuals were merely expressing their fundamental right to protest.
“It is in light of the foregoing that we request your intervention to
secure the release of these individuals who have been in custody since
August 24, 2024.”
Sokoto District Head killing: Help release 15 protesters – Adeyanju urges AGF
