The Federal Government has arraigned 76 detained #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
The protesters, mostly minors, were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
They are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged treason, as well as conspiracy to commit felony with intent to destabilize Nigeria, an offence contrary to Section 96, and punishable under Section 97, of the Penal Code Act.
The defendants looked malnourished, and four of them were hurriedly rushed out of the courtroom as they couldn’t stand on their feet.
Looking very sickly, they wriggled in pain on the floor of the court.
They were arrested and detained during the August 1 to 10, 2024, nationwide protest in the country which was sparked by widespread economic hardship that led many Nigerians to take to the streets to express their grievances.
The 76 protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina and Kano.
They have been accused of treason, among other offences.
As at the time of filing this report, the court has just resumed sitting, and charges are being read individually to the protesters.