In a recent ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to 76 individuals who were detained following their participation in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. Presiding Judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, set stringent conditions, requiring each protester to post bail of N10 million and to provide two sureties. According to the judge, one of these sureties must be a civil servant at grade level 15 or higher, with a verifiable address within the courtās jurisdiction, while the other must be a parent of the accused protester.
The proceedings have ignited debate over the handling of these protesters, especially minors. SaharaReporters previously highlighted a troubling incident during which five minors collapsed in the courtroom, visibly weakened from reportedly inadequate food and prolonged detention. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as some lawyers rushed to assist the slumped youths, and proceedings were temporarily halted. Following these events, the prosecution requested that charges against the minors be temporarily withdrawn on health grounds, a motion the court approved. It was also indicated that they would face re-arraignment once their health improves.
One observer noted that the minorsā collapse was likely the result of prolonged hunger, accusing authorities of using food deprivation to punish the detainees for exercising their constitutional rights. The courtroom reportedly descended into confusion as lawyers and court officials hurriedly intervened to provide aid before the youths were transported to a hospital.
The defence team, led by Abubakar Marshal, argued that the minors should be released to their parents rather than remain in custody. Meanwhile, the Network of Abuja Left Groups issued a public appeal on Thursday, demanding the unconditional release of all 76 protesters, including the 32 minors who have remained in detention since the August protests. The coalition condemned the governmentās approach, accusing President Tinubu’s administration of stifling dissent and punishing those who raise their voices against governance issues.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle between citizensā rights to peaceful protest and governmental responses to civil dissent, an issue that continues to draw attention and fuel public debate in Nigeria.
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