Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a development that has stirred significant public concern, the Federal Government arraigned 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters on November 1 before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The individuals, detained during protests held in various Nigerian cities from August 1 to 10, 2024, are facing a 10-count charge, including treasonable felony, incitement to mutiny, and property destruction.
Truth Live News gathered that the protests, fueled by widespread economic hardship, saw demonstrators across Nigeria express frustrations with governance issues. Reports indicate that security forces used tear gas, made multiple arrests, and allegedly opened fire on protesters in some areas, amplifying tensions.
Among the 76 defendants are 32 minors aged between 14 and 17, raising questions about the rights of juveniles in political protests. Human rights activists and legal observers argue that detaining minors over their participation in peaceful demonstrations is a potential breach of international and Nigerian laws safeguarding children’s rights and freedom of assembly.
The charges highlight accusations of intent to destabilize the government, with authorities alleging that the protesters coordinated with a foreign national, identified as Andrew Martin Wynne, to attack public institutions and incite mutiny. Government counsel claims protesters chanted slogans calling for President Tinubu’s removal, allegedly urging a military intervention—a claim protesters have denied.
Count one reads, “That between July 31 2024 to August 4, 2024, at Abuja FCT and Kano Metropolis within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and with intent to destabilise Nigeria conspired together to commit Felony to wit: Treason.
The FG noted that the protesters thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code.
Count two reads, “that within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and with intent to destabilise Nigeria conspired together to commit Felony to wit: inciting to mutiny and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code.
Count three reads, “that between July 31, 2024 to August 10, 2024 in Abuja FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert with Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich) a British Citizen, with intent to destabilized Nigeria levies war against the state in order to intimidate or overawe the president by attacking and injuring police officers and burning police stations, High Court Complex, NCC Complex. Kano Printing Press, Government House Kano, Kaduna investment and promotions Agency office, NURTW office and several other buildings and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.”
This case draws comparisons to the #EndSARS protests, where Nigerian authorities faced global scrutiny over police handling of demonstrators. Observers worry that prosecuting minors for expressing dissent could stifle democratic engagement among youth, whose grievances reflect genuine societal concerns. Rights advocates are urging the court to ensure due process and consider the unique status of minors in political expressions.
