By Abigail Philip David
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 76 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, setting the total bail at N760 million, with each defendant required to provide two sureties.
For the bail conditions, the judge specified that one surety must be a Level 15 civil servant, while the other should be a parent of the defendant. Both sureties are required to submit their letters of promotion, appointment, identification, and verified addresses, as well as deposit their passports with the court registrar and provide sworn affidavits of means.
Justice Egwuatu stated, “The defendants are granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum. One must be a Level 15 civil servant, and the other a parent of the defendant.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, arraigned the defendants on charges that included conspiracy to commit treason and incitement to mutiny, alleging they urged the military to remove President Bola Tinubu. All 76 defendants pleaded not guilty.
During the proceedings, four defendants collapsed while moving to the dock, requiring assistance from lawyers and prison officers. Justice Egwuatu temporarily exited the courtroom in response to the situation, which prompted the prosecution to request their discharge until they recover. Defense counsel argued for their acquittal, citing ill health and inadequate food, but the judge only agreed to discharge them temporarily without an acquittal.
Justice Egwuatu ordered that adult defendants be held at Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail terms are met, while minors under 18 would be sent to Borstal Centre in Gwagwalada.
The defendants, arrested in various cities including Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, were reportedly protesting economic hardship. Among them, 32 are minors aged 14 to 17. They face charges that include conspiracy to commit treason, with one count alleging that they conspired “between 31 July 2024 and 4 August 2024… with intent to destabilise Nigeria.”
Following this proceeding, an additional 43 protesters were brought before the court on similar charges. Bail was granted to these protesters on the same terms, though one defendant, unwell, was granted administrative bail.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 24, where a substantive hearing on the case will take place.
