#EndBadGovernance Protesters Accuse DSS Of Continued Intimidation

Activists who took part in the #EndBadGovernance protests have accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of ongoing harassment, despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, ordering their release.

Several protesters, speaking to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity due to fear of retribution, revealed that after their release from detention, the DSS summoned them and demanded they sign restrictive agreements.

According to them, these bonds would limit their freedom of movement and prevent them from speaking publicly about their detention experience.

“We thought our ordeal was over after the court’s decision, but the DSS is still pressuring us to sign documents restricting our movements,” one activist said. “It feels like they want to silence us despite the court’s ruling.”

The protesters, who were initially arrested during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance movement, launched in August 2024 to protest government corruption, insecurity, and unemployment, were discharged of all charges on October 17, 2024.

At the resumed hearing, the DSS withdrew the charges, and the court dismissed the case.

However, the activists claim the DSS continues to target them.

“They summoned us to their office after our release, demanding we sign agreements that restrict our ability to travel—even within Kaduna—and prohibit us from traveling internationally without permission,” one said.

The activists also revealed that they were physically unwell following their detention and had to seek medical care immediately upon release. One protester, still traumatized, questioned why the DSS continued to monitor them despite their release.

Naija News understands that the DSS reportedly detained 39 individuals over the course of the protests, releasing them gradually over a 75-day period.