Kehinde Fajobi
Seventy-six protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment on Friday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The group, detained since August, faces a ten-count charge, including alleged treason, conspiracy to destabilise Nigeria, and other related offences under sections 96 and 97 of the Penal Code Act.
During the court session, the physical condition of several protesters raised concern.
Many appeared malnourished, and four minors had to be rushed from the courtroom after struggling to stand.
Witnesses described the youths writhing in pain as they lay on the courtroom floor.
The mass arrest of these protesters took place between August 1 and 10, following a nationwide wave of demonstrations against economic hardships.
The protests, which mobilised Nigerians across the country, expressed growing frustrations over inflation, unemployment, and other pressing issues. Authorities detained the 76 individuals across multiple states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, accusing them of attempting to destabilise the country.
Among those detained are minors and young adults, including Nura Ibrahim (24), Abdulbasi Abdusalami (34), Ahmed Yusuf (25), Awolu Abdulahi (21), Umar Musa (15), Muhammadu Mustapha (16), Umar Muhammed (23), and Saminu Sani (22).
Several others in their late teens, such as Suleiman Dauda (18) and Ibrahim Rabiu (16), are also part of the group.
The court resumed sitting as individual charges were read aloud, with proceedings expected to continue.