A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has granted bail to the ten #EndBadGovernanceprotesters arraigned on a six-count charge of treason, incitement to mutiny, intimidation of the President, destabilisation of the country, and destruction of public property.
The protesters were brought before the court for allegedly engaging in activities aimed at undermining national security and public order and attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
At yesterday’s proceedings, the trial Judge, Justices Nwite after hearing submissions from the defense team, led by Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution, represented by Simon Lough, (SAN), found reasons with the submissions of defence counsel and granted the defendants bail.
The judge admitted the defendants to a N10 million bail each, with the condition that they provide one surety who must own property of equivalent value within the jurisdiction of the court.
The sureties, the Judge held, are to deposit their property documents with the court and submit their international passports.
Additionally, the court held that the defendants should be prohibited from participating in any further rallies while out on bail.
Justice Nwite had earlier remanded nine of the protesters at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and the only female defendant, Loveth Innocent, at the Suleja Correctional Service until the bail hearing.
The Defendants in the charge marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello Nurudeen Khamis and Abdulsalam Zubairu pleaded not guilty to the six count charge slammed against them by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
During the arraignment, defense lawyers made an oral application for bail, which the prosecution opposed, citing the severity of the charges, some of which carry capital punishment.
Justice Nwite after granting the defendants bail, adjourned till September 27, for further proceedings.
