The Federal Government has initiated the mass trial of individuals involved in recent nationwide protests against hunger, with 10 protesters, including one female, arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4, 2024.
The protesters face a six-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police, accusing them of treason for allegedly levying war against Nigeria during the national protests. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, ordered the remand of nine male suspects at Kuje Correctional Center, while the sole female defendant is to be held at the Suleja facility in Niger State.
Before the arraignment, Justice Nwite had granted a request by the police to remand an additional 124 protesters in custody for 60 days to allow for the completion of investigations. The charges include attempts to overthrow the government, inciting mutiny, and damaging public property during the protests.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Lough, alleged that the defendants committed treason by inciting the public against the government, attempting to breach security at the seat of power, and destroying police stations and other public properties. A 70-year-old British citizen, Andrew Martin Wynne, allegedly played a key role in instigating the mutiny, though he remains at large.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their legal representatives argued for bail, citing the constitutional rights of the accused and pointing out that their clients had already been detained for nearly a month. They argued that the charges of treason were unfounded and that the protesters were exercising their right to lawful protest.
Despite these arguments, Justice Nwite ordered the continued detention of the accused, with the next hearing on their bail applications scheduled for September 11, 2024. The Judge also denied a request to hold the defendants in police custody, opting instead for prison remand.
In a related development, Justice Nwite granted an ex-parte order to freeze the bank accounts of 32 individuals and companies allegedly linked to the protests, effectively blocking any transactions pending further investigation and prosecution.
