Federal high court in Abuja granted bail to the 76 defendants, mostly minors, who were allegedly involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The bail was set at N10 million or a surety at level 15 in a Federal Government Agency, along with a parent or sibling.
The arraignment, which took place on Friday, was marked by chaos when several children collapsed while waiting to enter their pleas. The defendants, who had been detained for three months, appeared ill and malnourished as they were called forward.
Due to limited space in the dock, some huddled together while others stood outside. Suddenly, four of the children rushed out of the courtroom and collapsed, writhing in pain. The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, had to abruptly adjourn the session to restore order.
When the court reconvened, the prosecution requested that the names of the four ill children be removed from the charge, which was granted, and the remaining defendants were arraigned. The 76 defendants, arrested in various states including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, face accusations of treason and other offenses in connection with the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that took place from August 1–10.
The protesters had demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, a return to the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline, among other issues. The demonstrations turned violent in some parts of the country, resulting in incidents of looting and vandalism.