October 1: Nigerians protest at Federal High Court, demand judicial freedom

On Thursday, Nigerians convened outside the Federal High Court to advocate for enhanced independence of Nigeria’s judiciary and bolstered safeguards for citizens’ rights. They chose to stage the demonstration on Independence Day to underscore the significance of freedom, arguing that the judiciary must remain free from executive interference.

Speaking to the assembly, Henry Pwajok Lodam, a protester identified himself, explained that the protest was not solely political but aimed to bring attention to detained Nigerians who had languished in custody without fair trials, some for years. Lodam asserted, "The judiciary in Nigeria is broken," and urged judicial authorities to fortify citizens' protection and ensure due process.

He emphasized the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of their political leanings, social standing, or circumstances. Lodam also expressed concerns over the perceived undue influence of the executive branch on the judiciary, asserting that judicial independence is crucial for democracy.

He stated, "We want independence of the judiciary, which is very important for democracy. If the judiciary is not allowed to function independently of the executive arm of government, then there is no democracy." Lodam pointed out that ongoing legal battles and detention of certain individuals warranted further investigation, and he called for all unlawfully detained individuals to receive justice and due process.

He acknowledged that disagreements over former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration existed, but argued that they should not hinder fair legal proceedings. Lodam described El-Rufai’s continued detention as an illustration of what the group believes should be subjected to judicial scrutiny. The group subsequently called for El-Rufai’s release, extending their demand to other Nigerians potentially held unlawfully.