Kehinde Fajobi
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to 76 defendants, including at least 28 minors, accused of terrorism, treason, and related charges tied to the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
Brought to court from detention, many defendants appeared visibly malnourished and unkempt.
During the proceedings, four defendants—Usman Fatihu (21), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16), and Mustapha Ibrahim (18)—collapsed in court as they approached the dock to enter pleas.
Judge Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the case, paused the session to allow the four to receive medical attention, stating they were “discharged till they’re medically fit.”
Apart from these four, the remaining defendants pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charges, which included treason, terrorism, treasonable felony, and arson.
Judge Egwuatu granted bail under strict conditions for the adults, requiring each to provide a ₦10 million bond and one surety—a civil servant of at least Level 15 with a verifiable address in Abuja.
For the minors, bail requirements were eased, with their parents or guardians allowed to act as sureties.
The judge ordered the adults to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre, while the minors were remanded at Bostal Homes until they meet bail conditions.
The protests, which took place in early August, drew crowds to the streets of major cities across Nigeria.
Demonstrators, protesting harsh economic conditions and what they described as “bad governance,” demanded a reversal of policies enacted under President Tinubu, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira.
The court has set 24 January as the trial date for the defendants.
Despite the Child’s Rights Act prohibiting the trial of minors in regular courts, the underage defendants are set to face charges upon being deemed medically fit.