Three #EndBadGovernance Protesters Accused of Treason Released from Prison

Three #EndBadGovernance Protesters Released After Weeks in Detention

Three out of the 10 individuals charged with treason over the August #EndBadGovernance protests have been released from Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, after weeks of efforts to meet their bail conditions. The released protesters—Michael Adaramoye (aka Lenin), Mosiu Sadiq, and Opaluwa Eleojo—were freed on Thursday following the completion of paperwork and bail formalities. They join three other co-defendants who had been released earlier.

Human rights lawyer, Abubakar Marshall of Falana and Falana Chambers, confirmed the release to Premium Times and stated that efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining five detainees. One of the released defendants, Mr. Adaramoye, expressed joy at his release and emphasized that the “struggle continues” as they await the release of the remaining protesters.

The group had been in police custody for weeks before being arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 2. The court ordered their remand in Kuje prison, and later, on September 11, granted them bail, setting the sum at N10 million each. However, the defendants faced delays in meeting these stringent conditions, leading to extended time in detention.

Another defendant, Daniel Akande, who was arrested separately on September 1, was granted bail on September 27. The judge, Emeka Nwite, imposed a N10 million bail requirement for each defendant, alongside one surety who must possess property in Abuja. The court required sureties to submit their passports, but no additional conditions were attached.

The 10 defendants, aged between 21 and 51, were accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu and inciting mutiny through the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1 to 10 across major cities. The government claims they conspired to destabilize Nigeria, attacking government and police facilities, including the High Court Complex and the Kano Printing Press.

All 10 protesters pleaded not guilty to the six charges, which include conspiracy to commit treason and inciting violence. Some of the defendants denied participating in the protests entirely, while others refuted the allegations against them.

source: Premiumtimes