A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the police permission to detain 124 protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement for 60 days while investigations continue.
The protesters were arrested for allegedly participating in activities related to terrorism, treason, and other serious crimes.
Justice Emeka Nwite made this decision in response to separate requests from the police, represented by counsel Ibrahim Mohammed. The judge ruled that the suspects would remain in custody until the investigation is completed.
“An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made committing the defendants to a correctional centre pursuant to Section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015,” Justice Nwite stated.
The judge also ordered that underage suspects be held at a Borstal Home of the correctional centre during this period.
The protesters, aged between 14 and 34, were accused of being involved in acts of terrorism, treason, and arson. According to the police, these offenses violated various sections of Nigerian law, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, the Criminal Code Act, and the Penal Code Act.
The suspects were allegedly caught carrying Russian flags and other materials, which the police claim were used to promote a violent uprising against the Nigerian government. “The planned violent insurrection was believed to have been orchestrated by terrorist groups both within and outside Nigeria,” stated Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary with the police.
The police believe the suspects were recruited by foreign nationals and other financiers to carry out these activities. “Preliminary investigation revealed that some suspects were being recruited by financiers to cause mayhem and destroy life and property,” said Gregory Woje, a detective involved in the case.
The court’s decision allows the police to keep the suspects in detention while they continue their investigation and seek legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation. The case has been adjourned until October 23 for further mention.
