Atiku’s Campaign Coordinator Remanded Over Jigawa Secretariat Arson

(iexclusivenews) – A magistrate court in Jigawa State has ordered the remand of Umar Danjani, along with 73 others, in connection with the alleged arson at the All Progressives Congress (APC) head office in the state.

Danjani, who served as the youth leader for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council supporting Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, is now held at the correctional facility in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.

Arrest and Charges

Police Statement on the Arrests

According to Lawan Adam, the police spokesperson in Jigawa State, Danjani was apprehended at the APC secretariat during the EndBadGovernance protest in Dutse, the state capital.

The suspects face multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, rioting, disturbance of public peace, theft, and destruction of billboards.

During a press conference on Saturday, Jigawa Police Commissioner Abdullahi Tijjani detailed the circumstances of the arrests.

He stated that Danjani and the other suspects were detained on the first day of the protest.

Tijjani accused the protesters of engaging under-aged children and teenagers in violent activities, leading to the destruction of public properties and disruption of economic activities in the state capital and other areas.

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Spread of Violence

Amnesty International’s Reaction

The protests, which began in Dutse, quickly spread to other local government areas, including Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gumel, Kazaure, and Babura.

The police commissioner reported that a total of 312 suspects have been arrested, with 74 of them already charged in court.

Amnesty International has condemned the remand of Umar Danjani, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement on its X handle, the organization criticized the Nigerian authorities for subjecting critical voices to intimidation and arbitrary arrests.

Amnesty International emphasized that such actions are unlawful and violate the rights of individuals to protest and express their grievances.

Conclusion

The remand of Umar Danjani and the ongoing protests in Jigawa State highlight the escalating tensions and dissatisfaction with governance in Nigeria.

As the situation unfolds, the response of both the government and international human rights organizations will be crucial in addressing the underlying issues and ensuring justice for those involved.