Freed #EndBadGovernance Protesters Deny Torture Allegations By DSS

Days after their release, some protesters detained during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest in Kaduna have refuted allegations of mistreatment by the Department of State Services (DSS) while in custody.

The protesters, who were disc jockeys (DJs) providing music at the protest, told journalists that they experienced no torture during their detention at the DSS office in Kaduna.

They were released in October 2024 following a case review by the new DSS Director General and stated they were treated fairly throughout their detention.

Dahiru Hamza, known as DJ Zariya from Tudun Wada, Kaduna, recounted, “I was arrested on August 8, 2024. We were detained but neither tortured nor starved.

“We were released without any bail payment and were instructed to retrieve our sound systems on the Director General’s orders.”

Hamza noted that he had been misled by some protest organizers who assured them that they had secured permission from security agencies to protest in Kaduna. He urged the government to prioritize creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.

Isa Abdullahi, also known as DJ SP, echoed Hamza’s statements, denying any mistreatment during his detention and mentioning that he was allowed to communicate with his wife without restrictions.

He commended the DSS Director General for ordering their unconditional release.

Additionally, Khaleed, reportedly the protest coordinator who had hired the DJs, was also released after all charges against him were dropped at the directive of the Director General. He has since reunited with his family.

The released protesters expressed gratitude for their treatment by the DSS and called for greater transparency and government accountability in tackling the challenges faced by Nigerian youth.