Bail Conditions Reduced for Protesters
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted a bail reduction for five #EndBadGovernance protesters, lowering the amount to N5 million each. This comes after the protesters struggled to meet the initial bail conditions, which included a N10 million bail sum and a requirement for sureties to own landed property in Abuja. The court’s decision follows appeals from the defence, who argued that the initial terms were too stringent for the defendants to meet.
Protesters Unable to Meet Original Bail Conditions
The court remanded the five defendants, part of a group of ten, in prison after they failed to secure a surety with property in Abuja. Their counsel, Marshall Abubakar, highlighted this challenge in court, explaining that the bail terms were unrealistic for the protesters. In response, Justice Nwite reduced the bail sum to N5 million per person, making it easier for them to meet the requirements.
New Bail Terms Explained
The revised bail conditions stipulate that each of the five protesters must provide a surety in the same amount. The surety must be a close relative, specifically a parent or another blood relative residing within Abuja’s jurisdiction. The change is expected to help the protesters secure their release while the trial continues.
Protesters Face Serious Charges
The ten defendants face multiple charges, including treason, conspiracy to commit a felony, and inciting mutiny. Authorities accuse them of attempting to forcefully enter government offices, inciting the public against the government, and destroying public properties, including a police station and the High Court complex. These charges carry serious penalties under Nigerian law, and the case has garnered significant attention.
Protesters Maintain Not Guilty Plea
All ten defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Inspector General of Police is leading the prosecution, with the case marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024. The next hearing is expected to focus on the defence’s arguments regarding the charges brought against the protesters.
Ongoing Public Interest in the Case
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which sparked widespread demonstrations across Nigeria, continue to attract public interest. The protesters’ demand for government accountability has resonated with many Nigerians. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a critical moment in the ongoing conversation around governance and civil rights in the country.
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