Court Remands Pregnant Woman, Nine Others Amid Protest Controversy, Amnesty International Criticizes Charges

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of ten activists in connection with a recent hunger protest in Nigeria. The activists, including a pregnant woman named Angel Innocent, are facing charges related to treason and conspiracy to incite mutiny, which the police allege were intended to destabilize the nation by attacking state institutions.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, ordered that the defendants be held in Kuje and Suleja correctional centers until September 11, when their bail applications will be heard. The defendants, who also include Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, and others, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include accusations of levying war against the state and damaging properties during the protest.

Defense lawyers argued vehemently for the defendants’ release on bail, asserting that the charges were exaggerated and that their clients were merely exercising their right to protest. They highlighted the health issues of some of the defendants, including one suffering from asthma, and argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to justify the charges of treason.

Amnesty International criticized the Federal Government’s prosecution of the activists, condemning the charges as baseless and a violation of the activists’ rights. The organization called for the immediate release of the defendants, describing their trial as an attempt to silence dissent.

In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf inaugurated a judicial commission to investigate the violence that erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protests in the state. The commission aims to provide a comprehensive report on the incidents, which led to significant property damage, and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The governor assured the commission of full support in carrying out its duties.