A stunning turn of events unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday when a 15-year-old defendant, among 76 persons set to be arraigned for participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, suddenly collapsed before the trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The young defendant slumped just as the charges were about to be read, prompting the judge to abruptly halt proceedings and return to his chambers.
The frail-looking boy was rushed to the court’s clinic with the help of lawyers in the courtroom, as his co-defendants, mostly minors, wept uncontrollably. This emotional scene highlights the controversy surrounding the arrest and detention of these protesters, many of whom are minors.
According to Deji Adeyanju, counsel representing the defendants, the minors had spent over 80 days in police custody. The 76 defendants face a 10-count charge, marked FCH/ABJ/CS/503/2024, alleging conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria and treason.
The police claim that the defendants, along with others still at large, acted in concert to commit felony between July 31 and August 4 in Abuja and Kano metropolis.
Charges Against the Defendants:
– Conspiracy to commit felony , an offense contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code
– Treason , punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2024, were sparked by widespread economic hardship and calls for better governance. The protests turned violent in some areas, with security forces using tear gas and arresting protesters.
