Federal High Court Grants Bail to 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters in Abuja
A recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja has set free 76 individuals arrested for their involvement in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. The protesters, aged 12 to 15, were charged with a range of offenses linked to their participation in the protest.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu presided over the case and granted each defendant bail in the amount of N10 million. To secure their release, each protester must provide two sureties, with the first being a civil servant holding a grade level of 15 or higher and a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction. The second surety must be the parent of the protester.
This development comes on the heels of a disturbing incident earlier in the day when five minors facing trial for their involvement in the protests suddenly collapsed in the courtroom. The minors, who had been in custody for several weeks, were taken away by the court for urgent medical attention. Eyewitnesses described the scene as distressing, with lawyers rushing to aid the young individuals who had fainted.
Following the incident, the prosecution requested the temporary withdrawal of charges against the minors, citing concerns over their health. The court granted the request, noting that the minors would be re-arrained once their health improved. The move was seen as a crucial step in guaranteeing the rights of the young protesters, who were accused of exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
According to a source, one of the malnourished minors was the first to collapse, followed by four others who fell to the courtroom floor. The scene that ensued was chaotic, with court officials and lawyers rushing to provide assistance to the minors before they were taken to the hospital, prompting the temporary suspension of court proceedings.
The prosecution argued that the minors should be released based on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows for the withdrawal of charges on health grounds. Defence lawyer Abubakar Marshal added that the minors should be returned to their parents as soon as possible.
