A Story Too Urgent to be Silenced
Awaiting Trial, the first film by Nigerian journalist and activist Chude Jideonwo, is a gripping documentary shedding light on the brutal realities of police injustice and systemic corruption in Nigeria. Initially scheduled for global streaming, it faced postponement due to concerns that it was “too hot to handle”—a telling indicator of the weight this story carries. Despite this setback, Jideonwo stayed committed to sharing the film, stating, “It’s our job to tell our own stories to our own people.” Now, Awaiting Trial is accessible to everyone, offered for free on YouTube and through his platform, WithChude.com.
The Weight of Injustice: Personal Stories, Broken Systems
This 73-minute film captures the lives of three individuals ensnared in a system that, rather than offering protection, subjects them to prolonged suffering and indignity. Awaiting Trial does not merely document corruption; it delves deeply into the personal and psychological toll of injustice on ordinary Nigerians. Through the eyes of these individuals, the audience witnesses how flawed policing and a broken legal structure devastate lives, particularly those already vulnerable.
Voices of the Movement: Folarin Falana, Mr. Macaroni, and Rinu Oduala
Adding powerful voices to the documentary, Awaiting Trial features figures like Folarin Falana (also known as the artist Falz), Mr. Macaroni, and activist Rinu Oduala. These are not merely entertainers but activists deeply involved in Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests—a nationwide movement calling for an end to police brutality and systemic reform. Together, these figures bring attention to the ways in which the Nigerian police system preys on its people, often with impunity.
A Decade in the Making: Jideonwo’s Dedication to Uncovering Truth
Awaiting Trial has been a passion project for Jideonwo, who has long been committed to exposing social injustices in Nigeria. Visiting a Nigerian prison over a decade ago, Jideonwo encountered firsthand the abysmal conditions and human rights abuses that many detainees face. This experience left a lasting impression, prompting him to eventually tell this story through film. With this documentary, he channels years of personal experiences, aiming to ignite change and challenge the oppressive structures in place.
A Call to Action: Ending the Cycle of Injustice
The re-release of Awaiting Trial comes at a crucial moment, as Nigeria and its allies in the global Black Liberation movement continue to confront institutionalized violence. The film’s release alongside the #EndSARS special series is a reminder of the ongoing fight for dignity, freedom, and systemic change. For those invested in Black empowerment, Jideonwo’s work is a call to action, urging viewers to resist oppressive systems and advocate for justice.
Watch Awaiting Trial and Support the Movement
Now available for free on YouTube and WithChude.com, Awaiting Trial is an accessible piece of activism, meant to reach not just Nigerians but anyone concerned with social justice, equality, and Black liberation worldwide. This film is a testament to the resilience of individuals standing up against injustice, despite the system’s attempts to silence them.