Court Grants Hunger Protesters N10m Bail

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has granted bail to ten #EndBadGovernance protesters.

The defendants in the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, include, Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon (aka Sob-S!), Angel Love Innocent (aka Loveth), Buhari Lawal, Mosiua Sadiq, Bashir Bello (aka Murtala), Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.

The protesters are facing 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 that undermine national security and public order.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite, after hearing submissions from the defence team, led by Marshall Abubakar, and the prosecution, represented by S.A. Lough (SAN), found reasons with the submission of defence counsel and granted bail to the defendants.

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The judge admitted the defendants to N10 million each, with the condition that they provide one surety who must own property of equivalent value within the court’s jurisdiction.

The sureties were asked to deposit their property documents with the court and submit their international passports. Additionally, the defendants are prohibited from participating in any further rallies while on bail.

Justice Nwite earlier remanded nine of the protesters at the Kuje Correctional Centre and the only female defendant, Loveth Innocent, at the Suleja Correctional Service until the bail hearing.

All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

During the arraignment, defense lawyers made an oral bail application, which the prosecution opposed, citing the severity of the charges, some of which carry capital punishment.

Justice Nwite after a grant of bail adjourned until September 27, for further proceedings.