Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters, charging them with treason, mutiny, and intent to destabilize Nigeria—crimes that could result in life imprisonment if they are convicted. The nine male protesters were sent to Kuje prison, while the sole female protester was remanded in Suleja. The court has set September 11 for their trial and ruling on bail.
The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, face six counts, including conspiracy to commit felony and inciting mutiny, allegedly aimed at intimidating President Bola Tinubu. They are also accused of attacking police officers and setting fire to police stations, government buildings, and private properties.
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the trial as a “sham,” urging the government to release the protesters immediately and questioning the focus on punishing dissenters instead of investigating the deaths and abuses that occurred during the protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, were fueled by public dissatisfaction with rising inflation, economic hardship, and poor governance. Protesters called for the restoration of petrol subsidies, measures to address food shortages, and a reduction in the cost of governance. The protests turned violent in several states, leading to seven deaths, although the police denied responsibility for the fatalities.
