Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order for the remand of 124 protesters for 60 days, as requested by the police. This interim order, issued in response to separate ex-parte motions brought forward by police counsel Ibrahim Mohammed, permits the continued detention of the suspects pending the completion of investigations, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The court specifically directed that minors among the suspects should be held at the Borstal Home within the correctional centre until investigations are concluded.
On August 14, Justice Nwite approved an ex-parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024) filed on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police by Mr. Mohammed. This motion, which was filed on August 9 after being dated August 8, sought to remand 75 protesters, aged between 14 and 34, for 60 days, pending further investigation and advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The named protesters, including Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Abubakar Adam (19), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Mas’ud (23), and several others, are facing allegations of terrorism, treason, and related felonies. These offenses allegedly contravene multiple sections of Nigerian law, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
In support of the motion, Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a litigation secretary at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, submitted an affidavit. She claimed that the Inspector-General’s office received credible intelligence from the National Security Adviser about a planned violent uprising against both state and federal governments. According to her affidavit, this insurrection was allegedly orchestrated by terrorist groups within and outside Nigeria and was scheduled to begin on August 1, 2015.
Ogochukwu further stated that despite intensified security measures, the protest occurred as planned, causing widespread fear among the populace and severely disrupting various parts of Nigeria’s fundamental structures. The violent protest led to the death and injury of citizens, as well as arson and extensive damage to public and private properties, including transportation infrastructure.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended while actively participating in the protest and were found in possession of Russian flags, banners, placards, and other materials calling for an invasion of Nigeria by Russia to destabilize or overthrow the government. Ogochukwu stated that some suspects were arrested in Abuja and other states, with incriminating evidence in their possession, while others remain at large.
Ogochukwu noted that investigations have begun, with many of the suspects voluntarily admitting their involvement in the alleged crimes, leading to the belief that they belong to proscribed terrorist organizations. She added that further investigation, including travel to various states to apprehend the sponsors, is necessary and cannot be completed within the constitutional timeframe, prompting the need for this application.
The affidavit also highlighted concerns about overcrowded police cells, posing serious health risks and the potential for escape or attacks among inmates.
In a related development, a second ex-parte motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024) moved by Mr. Mohammed on Thursday led to another 49 defendants being ordered by Justice Nwite to be remanded for 60 days, pending the conclusion of the investigation. The judge also instructed that underage defendants be held at the Borstal Home and adjourned the case until October 23 for mention.
Mr. Mohammed alleged that the defendants were involved in terrorism financing aimed at overthrowing a democratically elected government. He claimed they supported disgruntled elements flying the flag of another country in Nigeria and conspired with foreign nationals in a treasonable attempt to take over the nation. Some of the defendants named in this case include Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, Musiu Sadiq, Buhari Lawal, Love Angel Innocent, and others.
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