In a recent development, Amnesty International has condemned the Federal High Court’s decision to impose stringent bail conditions on 10 protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement. The court granted bail to the protesters on Wednesday, requiring each individual to post ₦10 million and provide sureties with landed property, despite their charges of treason and incitement to mutiny.

Bail Conditions Called Punitive

Amnesty International expressed strong disapproval of the court’s decision, labelling the bail conditions as excessively punitive. The human rights organisation accused the Nigerian government of weaponising legal processes to suppress dissent and discourage peaceful protests. The group emphasised that the stringent bail terms are a violation of the protesters’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.

Court Grants Bail Despite Serious Charges

Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court acknowledged the protesters’ legal entitlement to bail, despite the gravity of the charges, including treason. However, the high bail bond of ₦10 million has raised concerns about whether the protesters will be able to meet the conditions, which may lead to their prolonged detention.

Amnesty’s Appeal for Justice

In a public statement, Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to reconsider the bail conditions, calling them unjust and a tactic to keep the activists in detention. The organisation further appealed to the judiciary to uphold the protesters’ rights and ensure that legal procedures do not become tools of oppression.

Critics Highlight the Difficulty in Meeting Bail Terms

Legal experts and civil society groups have echoed Amnesty International’s concerns, highlighting the difficulties protesters may face in securing the necessary financial resources and property to meet the stringent bail conditions. This has cast doubt on whether the defendants will be able to secure their freedom anytime soon, potentially prolonging their detention.

Concerns Over Prolonged Detention

Although the court granted bail, many remain uncertain about the fate of the protesters. Many view the ₦10 million bond and accompanying requirements as a deliberate effort to keep the activists behind bars, delaying their release and tightening the state’s control over peaceful protests.

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