The mass trial of protesters arrested during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests is set to begin today, September 2, 2024, in various courts across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno.
In Abuja, the trial will take place in Justice Emeka Nwite’s court.
Leading the defense team for the protesters is human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana.
The protests, which lasted 10 days, were held against hunger and poor governance in Nigeria.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, over 2,000 protesters were arrested nationwide. Amnesty International has called for the unconditional release of those detained, urging the government to address the issues that led to the protests.
“Instead of detaining the protesters, the government should focus on solving the problems they are protesting about,” Amnesty International stated.
The organization reported that out of 2,111 suspects arrested, 1,403 have been arraigned in various courts. It noted that many were ordered to be held in prison due to a lack of legal representation.
Justice Nwite recently granted the police’s request to keep 124 protesters in custody for 60 days while investigations continue. This interim order, in response to motions filed by police counsel Ibrahim Mohammed, allows the suspects’ continued detention. The court also ordered that minor suspects be held at the Borstal Home of the correctional center.
The protesters, including minors, face serious charges such as terrorism and treasonable felonies.
The police’s ex-parte applications to the court allege that the protesters committed acts of terrorism, treason, arson, and other serious crimes, based on several Nigerian laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In one of the motions marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024, 75 protesters are accused of terrorism, treason, and related offenses. A second motion with Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024 involves 49 additional defendants, also facing similar charges. Both groups are to be detained for 60 days pending the outcome of investigations.
Among those detained are minors and young adults, including Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, and many others. Some of the defendants are as young as 16 years old.
Reports suggest that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has supported actions that some critics view as attempts to suppress opposition.
Justice Nwite’s rulings have been seen as supportive of the government’s stance, with his recent decisions further fueling debates about the balance between government authority and citizens’ rights to protest.
Justice Emeka Nwite was previously reported to have issued an order freezing the bank accounts of 32 individuals and companies linked to the protests. This freeze affects accounts across various banks, with instructions for the banks to detain anyone attempting to transact on these accounts.
The protests, which ran from August 1 to August 10, were driven by frustrations over worsening living conditions in Nigeria, including high food prices and insecurity that has forced many residents to abandon their farms, leading to severe food shortages.