The Nigerian government has commenced the trial of 10 Nigerians for their alleged participation in the August 1-10 nationwide protests tagged #EndBadGovernance, to demand good governance and an end to poor economic policies, hardship and insecurity.

The young Nigerians were brutalised and arrested by the police and other security agents at various locations in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, while exercising their constitutional rights of freedom of peaceful assembly as guaranteed in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The protesters were on September 2, 2024 arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on treasonable felony among others.

On September 11, the 10 defendants were granted bail with strict conditions, requiring N10 million each and one surety of the same amount. However, those struggling to meet these conditions were brought to court handcuffed and under tight security by Nigerian Correctional Centre officers. Despite this, the protesters remained defiant and energetic.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist, made a gesture of solidarity by attending the court hearing to support the defendants. As he entered the courtroom, Sowore was seen shaking hands with the defendants, a poignant display of unity and support.

It’s worth noting that Sowore himself has experienced similar struggles, having faced treason charges that were eventually struck out after a five-year battle.

The defendants are Michael Adaramoye, also known as Lenin, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sodiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair.

They are facing six counts bordering on alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit a felony, and inciting to mutiny, which is said to be an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

Sowore also met Isaac Bristol, whom the police have identified as the person behind the whistle-blowing PIDOMNigeria account on X.

He is also standing trial for alleged treason and for mobilising and soliciting support to “unduly compel” the government to act or abstain from certain acts through the #EndBadGovernance.

However, Nigerians have vowed to take to the streets on October 1 to commence another round of protests tagged #FearlessInOctober to kick against bad governance, economic hardship and others.