At the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Government has charged 76 detained #EndBadGovernance demonstrators.
Before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the demonstrators—the majority of whom were children—were arraigned.
They are facing a 10-count indictment centering on suspected treason, as well as conspiracy to commit crime with intent to destabilize Nigeria, an offence contrary to Section 96, and punished under Section 97, of the Penal Code Act.
The defendants appeared undernourished, and four of them were hastily escorted from the courtroom because they were unable to stand.
They writhed in agony on the court floor, looking quite sickly.
They were arrested and detained during the August 1 to 10, 2024, nationwide protest in the country which was sparked by widespread economic hardship that led many Nigerians to take to the streets to express their grievances.
The 76 protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina and Kano.
They have been accused of treason, among other offences.
As at the time of filing this report, the court has just resumed sitting, and charges are being read individually to the protesters.
