- Court Proceeding Stalled As Kid-Detainees Slump – Videos
- APC Senator Condemns Detention Of Minors
THE FEDERAL High Court in Abuja, on Friday, granted bail to minors and other defendants charged with terrorism and treason for their participation in the August #EndBadGovernance protests, also know as hunger protest.
The protest, which began on August 1 to demand for good governance, and policies to end hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, ended on August 10, 2024.
The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police had, earlier charged 11 of the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court on alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony and inciting mutiny, among others, which are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Gombe over the 10-day protest.
However, when the matter was called on Friday, I-G’s lawyer, Audu Garba, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment of the 76 defendants, who had been in detention since August.
Apart from four of them, whose trial was suspended after they slumped in court on Friday, all the other defendants pleaded not guilty to the 10 counts of treason, terrorism, treasonable felony and arson preferred against them by the Nigerian police.
Those adjudged to be adults among them were granted bail in stringent terms by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who, in a ruling, granted bail of N10 million bond and one surety to each of the alleged adults. The surety to be presented by each of them must be at least a Level 15 civil servant with verifiable address in Abuja.
For the underage defendants, the judge ordered, they only require their “parents or guardians” to stand as their sureties.
The judge subsequently ordered the remand of the adults in the Kuje Correctional Services and the minors in the Bostal Homes pending when they fulfill their bail conditions.
The court then adjourned until 24 January for trial.
Minor slump
Earlier, there was a mild drama at a the court when four children, among the 76 defendants, billed for arraignment on alleged treason charges slumped before they could take their pleas.
The four who slumped include Usman Fatihu, Muhammed Yahaya, Muktar Ishak Alhassan, and Mustapha Ibrahim. They are 68th, 74th, 75th, and 76th defendants respectively .
The trial judge, Obiora Egwuatu, abruptly stood down the trial and rose.
Senator Musa Condemns Detention of Minors
Meanwhile, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) has condemned “the unjust treatment of minors” over their alleged participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Musa, in a statement described the detention as “inhumane and unjust.”
“I strongly condemn the unjust detention of minors following the #EndBadGovernance protests. I am deeply troubled that in spite of the hardships and challenges these young children have endured, there is a push to have them imprisoned rather than afforded compassion and understanding. Such actions are not only inhumane but also unjust,” Senator Musa said.
The Senator also condemned the judicial stance advocating for the continued detention of the minors, saying it is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of justice and fairness.
He, therefore, urged the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into the matter to ensure accountability “and protect the rights of these young citizens.”
“This issue must be addressed urgently, and I will continue to stand with my constituents and all Nigerians in the pursuit of justice and good governance,” he added. (NAN)
