- The Federal Government has arraigned ten individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests before the Federal High Court in Abuja
- The charges stem from their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been a significant national movement calling for reform and greater accountability from the government
- The protesters’ legal team argues that their detention and the charges against them are politically motivated and an infringement on their constitutional rights.
In a dramatic development, the Federal Government has arraigned ten individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants, who were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, face serious charges including treasonable felony, which carries the death penalty.
The arraignment took place on Monday, September 2, amidst heightened security. The defendants are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (also known as Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (Yomi), Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello (also known as Murtala), Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
Charged with treasonable felony and accusations of plotting to destabilise Nigeria, the ten protesters appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite. They each pleaded not guilty to the six counts filed against them.
The charges stem from their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been a significant national movement calling for reform and greater accountability from the government. The arrest and subsequent arraignment have sparked considerable controversy.
The defendants have contested the legality of their detention. They argue that the court order permitting their arrest, issued on August 22, 2024, is unjust. In a lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1233/2024, the protesters challenged the order by Justice Nwite that authorized the Inspector General of Police to remand them for 60 days while investigations continue.
The protesters’ legal team argues that their detention and the charges against them are politically motivated and an infringement on their constitutional rights. They have called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider their arrest and the broader implications for freedom of expression and assembly in Nigeria.
Nationwide protests: Banks warn workers to remain vigilant
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that banks and other financial sector employers in Nigeria advised workers to stay vigilant during their duties following the nationwide protest.
The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) said it hoped the protest would remain peaceful and not be hijacked by hoodlums. It also urged employers in the financial services sector to sensitise members to be cautious and situationally aware before embarking on any activity.
