A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 10 activists facing charges of treason, mutiny, and other offenses related to the recent #Hunger or #Endbadgovernance protests.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Wednesday, admitted the defendants to bail despite the Federal Government’s charges, citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Bail Conditions:
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N10m bail each
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One Abuja-based property owner surety
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Title document deposit with the court
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Affidavit of means
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Passport and three recent passport photographs deposit
Restrictions:
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Defendants barred from participating in public rallies or protests during trial
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Must refrain from destabilizing activities
The defendants – Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair – face six counts, including treason and inciting mutiny.
Charges:
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Treason
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Intent to destabilize Nigeria
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Conspiracy to commit felony
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Inciting mutiny
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Destroying public property
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Counsel’s Reaction:
Abubakar Marshal, counsel for the first, second, and fourth defendants, argued that the defendants were presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Trial Commencement:
Justice Nwite fixed September 27 for the commencement of the trial.
Next Hearing:
September 27, 2024
