#EndBadGovernance: Protesters' Bail Reduced to N5 Million

Court Eases Bail Conditions for #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The defence appealed, citing difficulties in meeting these stringent requirements...

The Federal High Court in Abuja reduced the bail amount for five #EndBadGovernance protesters to N5 million each, after their lawyers appealed the initial bail conditions, which were deemed too stringent. The protesters face charges including treason, conspiracy, and inciting mutiny, but have pleaded not guilty.

The Federal High Court in Abuja set tough conditions for the #EndBadGovernance protesters' sureties, including residency and property ownership in Abuja, submitting property documents, and swearing to an affidavit of means. Both protesters and sureties had to surrender their international passports and recent passport photos. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the protesters to remain in custody until all conditions were met.

The defence appealed, citing difficulties in meeting these stringent requirements, especially for five protesters. This led to a reevaluation of the bail terms.

“The bail is hereby granted to the defendants in the sum of N10 million each with one surety in the same amount,” he ruled.

The Federal High Court in Abuja set tough conditions for the #EndBadGovernance protesters' sureties, including residency and property ownership in Abuja, submitting property documents, and swearing to an affidavit of means. Both protesters and sureties had to surrender their international passports and recent passport photos. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the protesters to remain in custody until all conditions were met.

The defence appealed, citing difficulties in meeting these stringent requirements, especially for five protesters. This led to a reevaluation of the bail terms.

Justice Emeka Nwite revised the bail terms for the five #EndBadGovernance protesters, reducing the total bail amount to N25 million. Each defendant now needs to post N5 million bail and provide one surety.

The new conditions specify that the surety must be a close relative, such as a parent or another blood relative residing within the court's jurisdiction (if parents are unavailable). This adjustment aims to make it easier for the protesters to meet the bail requirements.

Ten defendants, including Michael Adaramoye (Lenin), Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair, are facing six charges. These charges are:

Treason: attempting to overthrow the government

Conspiracy to Commit a Felony: planning and acting together to carry out a serious crime 

Inciting Mutiny: encouraging rebellion or disobedience

Attempting to Destabilize the Country: trying to disrupt the stability and security of the nation

Destroying Public Properties: damaging or destroying government buildings, such as police stations, the High Court complex, and National Communications Commission (NCC) facilities

Inciting Public Unrest: provoking violence or disorder among the public

The Federal Government alleges that the defendants tried to breach the seat of power, set a police station on fire, injure officers, and incite public unrest. These offenses are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The ten defendants in the highly publicized case FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024 have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges filed by the Inspector General of Police. These charges are severe, including treason, conspiracy to commit a felony, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilize the country. 

The defendants, linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across major Nigerian cities from August 1 to 10, 2024, are accused of plotting to incite military action against President Bola Tinubu. The protests were sparked by widespread discontent with the country's economic situation, marked by double-digit inflation and rising costs of living. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations condemning the government's actions as attempts to suppress dissent.