The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted bail of N10 million each to ten protesters involved in the #endbadgovernance# movement.
The protesters faced charges related to attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4 of this year.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved their bail requests, setting several conditions: each protester must present a surety who is a resident and property owner in Abuja, swear an affidavit of means, and provide property records to the court. Additionally, both the defendants and sureties must deposit their international passports and three current passport-sized photos with the court.
Despite objections from the Inspector General of Police, Judge Nwite also issued an order prohibiting the defendants from participating in any public demonstrations during their trial. The defendants will remain in custody until their bail conditions are met.
The trial is set to begin on September 27. The defendants are accused of treason following their statewide rallies, which reportedly included threats to declare war on Nigeria, attacks on military and police facilities, and incitement against the government.
The charges against them involve violations of Penal Code sections 96, 410, and 413. Allegations include storming the Abacha Army Barracks, encouraging the military to overthrow the government, wounding police officers, and setting fire to public buildings, including a police station, a high court building, and facilities owned by the National Communication Commission (NCC).
The accused are Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair.