On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to 10 protesters charged with treason-related offenses in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests from last month.
Justice Emeka Nwite set the bail amount at N10 million for each defendant. The court stipulated that each defendant must provide a surety with property in Abuja worth the bail amount, and the sureties are required to submit their passports to the court.
The defendants, who were arraigned on September 2, have pleaded not guilty to charges including plotting war and attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Their defense lawyers contended that the evidence does not substantiate the treason allegations.
The charges against the protesters include inciting mutiny, destabilizing Nigeria, and waging war against the state. They are also accused of attacking police officers, burning police stations, and destroying other properties.
Abubakar Marshal, counsel for the 1st to 4th defendants, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the charges, noting that an additional 49 protesters remain detained at Kuje Correctional Centre under a court order.
The case has been adjourned to September 27 for the commencement of the trial.