The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 11 for the commencement of the trial and ruling on the bail application of #EndBadGovernance protesters.
According to The PUNCH, the protesters, who were arraigned on Monday, face charges of treason, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilise Nigeria.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court presides over the case involving ten defendants.
The individuals charged include Michael Adaramoye, also known as Lenin, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaoluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
Additionally, a British citizen, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, was named a defendant in the case.
The charge sheet, labelled FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, accuses the defendants of “treason, attempting to destabilise the country, intimidating the President, and damaging the Nigerian Communications Commission office in Kano, among other charges.”
According to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the offences were committed between July 1 and August 4, 2024.
He stated, “The defendants conspired to commit a felony, with the intention to destabilise Nigeria, which constitutes an offence under Section 95 and is punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.”
The charge further alleges that between July 1 and August 10, 2024, the defendants, alongside Wynne, acted with the intent to destabilise Nigeria by waging war against the state.
This included “attacking and injuring police officers, burning police stations, the High Court Complex, the NCC Complex, the Kano Printing Press, Government House Karo, Kadama Investment and Promotions Agency office, NURTW office, and several other buildings,” said Egbetokun.
The Inspector-General also claimed that the group incited public disaffection against the government by carrying placards bearing the message “end bad government” and other slogans intended to stir public unrest.
The offences are cited as violations under Sections 96, 410, and 416 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 204.
The defendants are expected to appear in court again on September 11 for the trial and a decision on their bail applications.
