The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday September 2, charged ten arrested #EndBadGovernance protesters to court over charges including “plan to destabilize Nigeria,” and conspiracy to “commit a felony, to wit, treason.”
Prosecutors also laid five other charges against the accused under the country’s penal code, including inciting the military to mutiny, burning government buildings, and disturbing public peace.
This followed last month’s nationwide demonstrations that saw thousands take to the streets to protest against the rising cost of living.
The protests were met with deadly force by security forces. Amnesty International said at least 13 people were killed. Security forces deny using lethal force.
The ten men were arraigned on a six-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in the capital city of Abuja.
Charges Against Protesters
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who brought the charges against them, alleged that the accused broke into the Abacha Army Barracks and openly called on the military to take over the constitutional government of President Bola Tinubu.
The IGP also alleged that they incited the Nigerian public against the government, destroyed several public properties, including police stations, a High Court complex, and National Communication Commission (NCC) facilities.
The alleged offenses were said to have been committed in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Gombe, among other locations.
In the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, Egbetokun said the offenses were contrary to Section 95 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The defendants are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin); Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi); Suleiman Yakubu; Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon; Angel Innocent; Buhari Lawal; Mosiu Sadiq; Bashir Bello (aka Murtala); Nuradeen Khamis; and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
The protesters pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court. A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, say if convicted, they could face a possible death penalty.
Counsel for the IGP, Simon Lough (SAN), asked Justice Nwite to remand the accused persons to prison pending trial. Lawyers for the protesters opposed seeking their release on bail. The court will make a ruling on Sept. 11, when the trial begins.
Amnesty Wants Charges Dismissed
Amnesty International has urged the government to release all the people arrested during the protests unconditionally. It said the trial was meant to justify detaining protesters unlawfully.
“These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn,” said Isa Sanusi, Director for Amnesty International Nigeria.
Nigerians blame President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have been in place since May 2023, for their economic difficulties. The hardship was worsened by double-digit inflation after the currency was devalued and the cost of petrol and electricity rose.
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