Public outcry has erupted across Nigeria following the arraignment of 76 protesters, including 32 minors, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants were brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on charges related to alleged treason and incitement to mutiny. The group, detained for three months, had been arrested across Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano for their involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
The Inspector General of Police arraigned the protesters on a ten-count charge, including conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria and inciting the military to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. The protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, were marked by widespread calls for economic reform, subsidy reinstatement, and improved governance. While largely peaceful, some demonstrations turned violent, resulting in looting and vandalism in a few states.
Among those arraigned were minors aged 14 to 17, who appeared visibly malnourished and disoriented in the courtroom. Video footage circulating on social media showed the minors scrambling for water and biscuits before the proceedings began. During the session, four of the children collapsed and had to be carried out of the courtroom, leading Justice Egwuatu to temporarily halt proceedings. The minors, writhing in pain, were assisted by lawyers and court staff.
Justice Egwuatu expressed concern about the situation, directing the courtroom to make space for all defendants. The prosecution, represented by Audu Garba, proposed that the names of the sick minors be temporarily struck out and that they be released until they recovered to stand trial. However, the defense counsel, Marshall Abubakar, appealed for their outright discharge, citing their poor health and lack of adequate food in detention. “These boys are hungry and have not been fed for three days,” Abubakar argued.
The prosecution, however, contended that the detained individuals were well-cared for in custody, despite having been held since August. In response, Justice Egwuatu ordered the release of the four sick defendants—Umar Yunusa, Usman Suraju, Musa Isiyaku, and Abdul Ganiu—until they recovered. For other defendants, the judge mandated that adults over 18 be remanded at Kuje Custodial Centre, while minors would be placed in the Borstal facility in Gwagwalada.
Nigerians have widely condemned the detention and prosecution of the protesters, especially the minors, as a violation of human rights and an affront to civil dissent. Civil society groups and human rights activists have criticized the government’s handling of the case.
The federal charges include conspiracy to commit treason, incitement to mutiny, and “levying war against the state.” Specific allegations claim that between July 31 and August 10, 2024, the defendants, in concert with a British national, engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Nigeria by allegedly attacking and burning state facilities. Protesters were also accused of calling on the military to oust President Tinubu.
Justice Egwuatu granted bail to the defendants, setting the amount at N10 million each, totaling N760 million, with two sureties each. He stipulated that one surety must be a level 15 civil servant, while the other must be a parent of the defendant, and both must provide proof of identity, employment status, and verified addresses.
