REPORT OF THE NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST MONITORING TEAM

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT ON 11th SEPTEMBER 2024.
Recall that some citizens of Nigeria organized a national protest tagged #ENDBADGOVERANCE wherein they lawfully mobilized other citizens to protest against Government inability to protect and provide basic amenities that will ensure minimum comfort for the citizens from the 1st to the 10th of August 2024. In view of that, there was massive security clampdown on citizens resulting in wanton arrest and detention of the protesters across the federation including Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT).

On the 11th day of September 2024, the under listed #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protesters were brought before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court (9) Abuja by security operatives for ruling on bail application made on the 2nd day of September 2024 and trial namely;
1. MICHEAL TOBILOBA ADARAMOYE (aka Lenin)
2. ADEYEMI ABIODUN ABAYOMI (aka Yomi)
3. SULEIMAN YAKUBU
4. COMRADE OPALUWA ELEOJO SIMON (aka Bob-Simon)
5. BUHARI LAWAL
6. MOSIU SADIQ
7. BASHIR BELLO (aka Murtala)
8. NURADEEN KHAMIS
9. ABDULSALAM ZUBAIRU

One of the protesters ANGEL LOVE INNOCENT (aka Loveth) who is the only female defendant detained at Suleja correctional center was not brought to court and no sufficient reason was given by the prosecution as to the reason for her absentia though the court however proceeded as the matter was for ruling on bail which was granted to all the defendants.

The offense for which the protesters were charged borders on treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria, conspiracy to commit Felony, rioting and disturbing public peace, mutiny and inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The matter was slated for ruling to which Simon Lough SAN led appearance for the prosecution, Marshall Abubakar Esq led appearance for the 1st, 2nd and 4th Defendants/Applicants, M.A Eigege appeared for the 3rd Defendant. Sheiu Adamu Esq & Ors appeared for the 5th, 9th and 10th Defendants, while Deji Adeyanju Esq led appearance for the 6th, 7th, and 8th Defendants/Applicants.

A.A Askira Esq held watching brief for Citizens Liberty Committee for the Nigeria Bar Association, Dorcas Enaja led appearance and held watching brief for Hope Behind Bars Africa, Frank Justice Udeh held watching brief for Advocate for Justice Alliance.

The trial Judge in his ruling made reference to the fact that an Exparte order was earlier granted by the Honourable Court to remand the protesters for 60 days at police facility. The court made appraisal to the judicial and statutory authorities canvassed by all the counsel in the matter.

Haven made reference to the arguments canvassed by both parties, the court therefore ruled that the Defendants/Applicants should be granted bail in the interest of justice not minding that the offense to which they were charged was a capital offense.

The Defendants/Applicants were granted bail with the following conditions;
a. In the sum of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) only each with one surety in the like sum and must be resident in Abuja.

b. Each surety must tender their credentials, international passports and 3 recent photographs to the Registrar of the Court.

c. The sureties must own properties in Abuja and are to deposit documents of the properties to the court registrar in addition to swearing to affidavit.

d. The Defendants/Applicants be remanded pending the determination of their bail condition.

e. The defendants are to refrain from participating in any public rally of protest throughout their trial.

The oral application by one of the counsel for the Defendants/Applicants for an order of the court directing the prosecution to release phones, monies and other personal items confiscated and taken from the Defendants/Applicants at the point of arrest was not taken, but the court directed that time has not reached for that and there is no way their properties would not be released to them at the appropriate time. Whereas the second application for the prosecution to provide the defense with all material proof of evidence was not also taken rather, the court advised counsel to come properly through motion.

Despite the fact that the protesters were lawfully granted bail by the court, it is apt to know that they were taken away from the court premises on handcuffs by security operatives.

The matter was adjourned to 27th day of September, 2024 for commencement of trial, while date for the sister case wherein the Defendants/Applicants had applied to set aside the 60 days’ detention order earlier granted by the court would be communicated as soon as the matter is fixed.

We had monitored the proceedings and we will continue to update on the progress of the proceedings.

Barr. Vincent Otaokpukpu (KSJI)
(Head Monitoring Committee)