On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to ten individuals who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests and were charged with attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4 of this year.
Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering his ruling, set the bail at ₦10 million for each defendant. As part of the bail conditions, the protesters are required to provide one surety each, who must also reside in Abuja and own property within the city.
The court further mandated that the property documents be submitted, along with an affidavit of means. Additionally, both the defendants and their sureties are required to deposit their international passports and three recent passport photographs with the court.
Despite objections from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Justice Nwite rejected the opposition to the bail application. However, the court ordered the defendants not to participate in any public rallies throughout the duration of their trial. Until they meet the bail conditions, the protesters will remain in prison custody.
The trial is set to begin on September 27, with the accused facing serious charges, including treason. The prosecution claims that the protesters attempted to incite the public against the government and engaged in violent actions, including breaking into the Abacha Army Barracks and calling for a military takeover.
They are also accused of trying to breach the seat of government, damaging public property, including a police station, and injuring law enforcement officers during the protests.
The accused individuals are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair.
The alleged offenses violate sections 96, 410, and 413 of the Penal Code.
