Justice Emeka Nwite had on Wednesday, granted bail to 10 people charged with treason and conspiracy with the intention to incite the military to mutiny after last month’s protests against the high cost of living in the country.
Nigerians had taken to the streets to protest for 10 days in August against the high inflation that has made it difficult for ordinary people to meet their basic needs.
During the protests thousands of individuals who had taken to the streets, were met with a gruesome crackdown by law enforcement agents, with Amnesty International reporting that at least 13 people were killed although this claim has by denied by the authorities.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Judge Nwite said he had granted bail to nine men and a woman, using the court’s discretion. They had also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“Irrespective of the nature of offence and the severity of punishment, I here grant the accused bail at the sum of 10 million Naira each,” the Justice had said in a ruling.
The government had opposed bail when the charges were presented last week. If found guilty of the labeled offence, the accused could face the death penalty.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has appealed fo the government to unconditionally release all the people arrested during the protests.
The case has been adjourned till September 27
