Protesters from the endbadgovernance movement have been remanded in kuje prison
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that 10 of the 124 youths detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests be held at Kuje Correctional Centre until September 11, when their trial and bail requests will be reviewed. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, also mandated that the only female defendant, Angel Love Innocent, be held at Suleja Correctional Centre.
The court documents reveal the names and details of the defendants: Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (28), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (34), Suleiman Yakubu (28), Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon (50), Angel Love Innocent (51), Buhari Lawal (21), Mosiu Sadiq (28), Bashir Bello (51), Nuradeen Khamis (47), and Abdulsalam Zubairu (37).
During the proceedings, Abubakar Marshal, representing the first four defendants, argued against their continued detention and requested bail, asserting that there was insufficient evidence for the treason charges. He emphasized that bail is discretionary and should be granted on reasonable terms.
Supporting this, Deji Adeyanju, counsel for the sixth to eighth defendants, argued that the evidence provided by the prosecution did not support the treason charges. He described the defendants as patriotic protesters rather than criminals and urged the court to address more pressing issues such as banditry and kidnapping.
Lawyers for the fifth, ninth, and tenth defendants echoed these arguments and requested bail for their clients.
Prosecution Counsel Simon Lough opposed the bail requests, insisting that the defendants should remain in custody.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to September 11 for further consideration. The defendants have been in police custody for nearly a month following their arrests for protesting against corruption, poor governance, and insecurity.
Recent reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has used judicial support to suppress dissent, with Justice Nwite’s recent rulings perceived as part of a broader crackdown on opposition. This administration’s policies, introduced over the past 15 months, have been criticized for worsening poverty and increasing living costs. The court’s decisions have sparked debates about the balance between government authority and freedom of expression.
