By Milcah Tanimu

On August 9, 2024, a heavy presence of security forces, including agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) and police officers, encircled the office of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Ikeja, Lagos State. The operation took place at Rights House, located at 43 Adeniyi Jones Avenue, ahead of a planned public symposium and candlelight procession organized as part of the #EndBadGovernance protest movement.

The event, set to honor individuals who have died as a result of poor governance in Nigeria, encouraged attendees to dress in black and bring candles for the vigil. The CDHR has been vocal in its criticism of recent government actions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, and has called for a reversal of this decision amid ongoing protests.

The organization had previously expressed disappointment with the president’s national broadcast, which they felt failed to address specific timelines for proposed reforms and focused too heavily on the government’s achievements without tangible benefits for Nigerians.