#EndBadGovernance protesters arraigned for ‘treason’, remanded in prison

The federal government has arraigned 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters over allegations of treason.

Nigerians staged a nationwide protest against economic hardship from August 1–10.

The protesters demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, a return to the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline, among others.

The demonstration turned violent in some parts of the country, with looting and vandalism recorded in some states.

Following the protests, the police announced the arrest of alleged perpetrators in some states.

At the court session on Monday, 10 of the 124 persons currently in custody took their plea before a federal high court in Abuja.

They pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony and inciting mutiny — which are punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code.

They were also accused of trying to start a war against the country, intimidating the president by attacking and injuring police officers and burning police stations.

The defendants were also charged with torching the NCC complex in Kano, Kano Printing Press, Kano government house, and several other buildings.

The defendants include Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaoluwa Simon and Angel Innocent.

Others are Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis and Abdulsalam Zubairu.

After the plea, their lawyers — including Marshall Abubakar and Deji Adeyanju — moved their respective oral applications for bail.

They submitted that the defendants were peaceful protesters. 

The lawyers also said the only woman amongst the defendants is pregnant.

Simon Lough, prosecution counsel, opposed the application.

Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje prison pending ruling on their bail applications on September 11.