The Nigerian government has arraigned 10 youths arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe for participating in a protest tagged #EndBadGovernance. The protest, aimed at demanding good governance and an improved standard of living, has led to the protesters facing charges of treasonable felony. The arraignment took place on Monday before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
During the court proceedings, the defendants, appearing before Justice Emeka Nwite, pleaded not guilty to the six charges filed against them. The charges include allegations related to treasonable felony, which have been widely criticized as being politically motivated.
Tight Security at Court
The defendants were brought to the court under tight security. The use of tight security in court is an Indication of the seriousness of the offence, mostly serious criminal offences are brought in with tight security. This move of tight security indicated that the government has labelled peaceful protesters who in accordance with constitutional rights, protested against the policies of the government during the #EndBadGovernance campaign to be high-level criminals.
Details of the Charges
A court document obtained by SaharaReporters revealed the charges filed against the 10 protesters, who are listed as defendants. They include:
1. Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin), male, 28 years
2. Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi), male, 34 years
3. Suleiman Yakubu, male, 28 years
4. Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, male, 50 years
5. Angel Love Innocent, female, 51 years
6. Buhari Lawal, male, 21 years
7. Mosiu Sadiq, male, 28 years
8. Bashir Bello (aka Murtala), male, 51 years
9. Nuradeen Khamis, male, 47 years
10. Abdulsalam Zubairu, male, 37 years
Legal Representation
The defendants are represented by various lawyers. Abubakar Marshal is appearing for the 1st to 4th defendants, Hamza is representing the 5th defendant, Deji Adeyanju is appearing for the 6th to 8th defendants, and Ahmed Abdulrahaman is representing the 9th defendant.
Conclusion
The charges against these protesters have sparked concern and debate regarding the government’s approach to dissent and freedom of expression. As the trial progresses, the case is expected to draw significant attention both within Nigeria and internationally, raising questions about the balance between national security and citizens’ rights to protest.
