On Monday, the Federal Government brought ten #EndBadGovernance protesters before a Federal High Court in Abuja, following their arrest in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe.
The protesters face serious charges, including treasonable felony, which could result in the death penalty, and accusations of attempting to destabilize Nigeria.
The defendants, who appeared in court under heavy security, pleaded not guilty to the six counts against them.
The accused are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (also known as Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (Yomi), Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello (Murtala), Nuradeen Khamis, and Abdulsalam Zubairu.
The protesters have challenged the legality of their detention, arguing that President Bola Tinubu has no right to their arrest.
They have filed a suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1233/2024, contesting an August 22, 2024, Federal High Court order by Justice Emeka Nwite, which allowed their detention by the Inspector General of Police for 60 days pending further investigation.
In their affidavit, the protesters claimed their constitutional rights to life, personal dignity, health, and freedom of movement have been violated.
They argue that the court order was based on a misrepresentation of facts and constitutes an abuse of the court process.
The protesters, represented by a team of lawyers led by human rights advocate Femi Falana, are seeking to have the ex-parte order overturned and to be granted bail.
