By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

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

The recently freed protesters, who were disc jockeys (DJs) playing music at the protest, clarified to journalists that they experienced no mistreatment during their detention at the DSS office in Kaduna. Released in October 2024 following a review by the new DSS Director General, they stated that they were treated fairly throughout their detention.

Dahiru Hamza, known as DJ Zariya from Tudun Wada, Kaduna, explained that their release came after the DSS Director General reviewed their case and concluded they were innocent. “I was arrested on August 8, 2024,” Hamza recounted. “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 misinformed by some protest organizers who claimed they had secured permission from security agencies to protest in Kaduna. He also called on the government to focus on creating employment opportunities for the youth in Nigeria.

Isa Abdullahi, also known as DJ SP, similarly denied any mistreatment during his time in custody, adding that he was allowed to communicate with his wife without difficulty. He praised the DSS Director General for ordering their unconditional release.

Another individual, Khaleed, reportedly the protest coordinator who had hired the DJs, was also released after all charges against him were dropped on the Director General’s directive. He has since reunited with his family.

The released protesters expressed appreciation for their treatment by the DSS and emphasized the need for transparency and government accountability in addressing the challenges faced by Nigeria’s youth.