U.S Mission praises Nigerian Lawyer, Funke Adeoye, for advocacy in release of 29 Minors #EndBadGovernance protesters

By Adetayo Omotoyosi Adeolu

The United States Mission in Nigeria on Wednesday commended the founder of Hope Behind Bars, Funke Adeoye, for her dogged advocacy, which led to the freedom of 29 minors incarcerated during the #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked Nigeria a few months ago.

The U.S Mission stated that Funke’s dedication to protecting the rights of the victims played a vital role in ensuring their freedom

The Lagos Voice recalls that the 29 minors faced the death penalty after they were arraigned for participating in a protest over the rising cost of living. During their appearance in court, four of them collapsed due to exhaustion before they could enter a plea.

Hope Behind Bars (HBBA), is a Nigerian-based human rights organisation founded by Funke Adeoye in 2018 with the mission of closing the justice and inequality gap using legal aid, technology, support for incarcerated individuals and evidence-based advocacy.

Recall that a total of 76 Protesters were charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny, according to the charge sheet seen by The Associated Press.

The minors ranged in age from 14 to 17years old. Their arrests sparked heavy criticism and knocks from Nigerians, including key opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.

President Tinubu later directed the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi to facilitate the immediate release of all the minors arrested for their roles in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The President ordered that they should be released unconditionally and without prejudice to the law. Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the minors are well taken care of by facilitating the reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country.

Reacting to the U.S commendation, Funke Adeoye, a lawyer, appreciated the recognition and thanked everyone who contributed or raised their voice to support her foundation. She took to her X (formerly Twitter), wrote: “Thank you so much for the recognition @USinNigeria I am deeply grateful to everyone who continues to raise their voice for justice and support our work at @hopebehindbar, truly honoured”

Also reacting, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and advocate wrote on X; “We are always proud of our own star and a wonderful friend and partner of our law firm @thefunkeadeoye.”