News
Court grants bail to 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters accused of treason
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 10 protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement who are facing trial on charges of treason.
The defendants, including Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaoluwa Simon, and Angel Innocent, were granted bail by Justice Emeka Nwite on Wednesday.
Others granted bail are Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
They were arraigned on September 2 and pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge, including treason, conspiracy to commit felony, inciting mutiny, and intent to destabilize Nigeria—offenses punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code.
The protesters were accused of attempting to start a war, intimidating the president, attacking and injuring police officers, and burning police stations.
Additionally, they were charged with torching the NCC complex, Kano Printing Press, Kano Government House, and several other buildings.
During their initial arraignment, the defendants applied for bail through their respective lawyers, but the court ordered their remand in prison custody until a ruling was delivered.
On Wednesday, Justice Nwite granted each defendant bail at N10 million, with the condition that they provide one surety who has landed property in Abuja. The sureties must submit the property documents to the court.
The case stems from nationwide protests that took place from August 1–10, during which Nigerians demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, the reinstatement of the petrol subsidy, food security, and fiscal discipline, among other issues.
While the protests were largely peaceful, violence erupted in some parts of the country, leading to looting and vandalism.
Following the protests, the police arrested several individuals, including the 10 defendants, and secured a court order to remand 124 people for 60 days pending investigations.