Lawyers Alert Secures Release of #StopBenueKilling Peaceful Protester in Benue State

Lawyers Alert, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benue State Chapter, has successfully secured the release of 14 #StopBenueKilling peaceful protesters who were arrested and detained for four days in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on June 15, 2025.

The protest was held in response to the gruesome killings of over 200 people in the Yelwata district by armed assailants, a tragic event that has plunged the community into mourning.

Today, Lawyers Alert’s legal team appeared before the Magistrate Court in Makurdi to defend the constitutional rights of the detained individuals.

Following strong legal submissions, the court struck out the matter entirely, affirming that the detainees had committed no offense and were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly and expression as guaranteed under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

Lawyers Alert remains firm in our resolve to protect civil liberties and ensure access to justice.

We call on authorities to respect and uphold the constitutional right to protest, and urge communities to come together in support of peaceful expression rather than suppress it. Let us protect this fundamental process.