Following nationwide demonstrations that saw thousands take to the streets on August 1st to protest against a cost of living crisis, the Nigerian government has arrested and charged several protesters of the #EndBadGovernance protest with treason and conspiracy to incite a military mutiny.
Ten individuals who were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe were brought before the court on six accusations related to treason, plans to disrupt Nigeria, collaborating to commit a serious crime, and encouraging rebellion, all of which are violations punishable under Section 97 of the penal code.
They are also charged with waging war against the state to intimidate the president through assaults on police officers, as well as setting fire to police stations, the High Complex, the NCC Complex, the Kano printing press, the Kano Government House, and other structures.
The defendants, who were arraigned in the Abuja Federal High Court, pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. In the event of a conviction, they could be subject to the death penalty, as highlighted by human rights advocate Inibehe Effiong.
Reuters reports that state prosecutors have accused the protesters of intent to destabilise Nigeria and “conspired together to commit treason.”
Amnesty International condemns arrest
Amnesty International’s Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, released a statement on Monday, September 2, describing the trials as an effort to suppress critical voices.
Amnesty International condemned the “sham trial” of the protesters, calling for an “end to these endless bizarre attempts to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest. The unfair trial is only a disguised exercise solely aimed at punishing dissenters.”
The human rights organisation urged the government to release everyone arrested during the protests unconditionally. “These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn,” said Isa Sanusi.
Legal representatives for the protesters sought their release on bail, which the state opposed. The court will make a ruling on September 11, 2024, when their trial is expected to begin.
