The Federal Government has re-arraigned 10 individuals arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place between August 1 and 10.
The protesters were charged with treasonable felony and arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The 10 individuals were arrested in various states across Nigeria and faced an eight-count amended charge. The prosecution, led by Simon Lough, SAN, argued that the protesters’ actions had led to violence and killings in parts of the country.
The defendants, who initially faced a six-count charge, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on September 11. However, the prosecution later sought to amend the charge to include an additional defendant, Daniel Akande, who was arrested on September 1.
Akande’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested bail for his client, and the court granted him bail on the same terms as the other defendants.
The defense counsel argued that the amended charge was not in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence or witness lists. They also sought to vary the bail terms for three of the defendants.
The prosecution countered these arguments, stating that the ACJA allows for amendments and additional evidence. Justice Nwite ruled in favor of the prosecution, allowing the amended charge to be read to the defendants.
The matter was adjourned until October 4 for a ruling on the bail variation and November 11 for the trial.
