The Nigerian federal government has charged ten #EndBadGovernance protesters with serious offenses, including treasonable felony and an alleged plot to destabilize the country.
The charges, presented before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja, are part of a six-count indictment.
The accused protesters, who were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, are alleged to have conspired to overthrow President Bola Tinubu during nationwide protests between July 1 and August 4 of this year. According to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the protesters are accused of breaking into the Abacha Army Barracks and openly calling for a military takeover of the government.
Additionally, the IGP claims the protesters were involved in burning a police station, injuring officers, inciting public unrest, and damaging several public properties, including a High Court complex and facilities belonging to the National Communication Commission (NCC).
The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, cite violations of Section 95, punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code. The protesters have all pleaded not guilty.
The accused include Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (also known as Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (also known as Yomi), Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello (also known as Murtala), Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
During the court session, the prosecution, led by Simon Lough (SAN), requested that the defendants be remanded in custody until the trial. However, the defense counsel argued for their release on bail.
After hearing both sides, the court adjourned the case and set September 11 as the date for the trial and ruling on the bail application.
