In Abuja, 72 defendants involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests remain in detention after being unable to meet strict bail conditions set by the Federal High Court. The defendants, including several minors, were each granted bail at ₦10 million by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who also required two sureties per person—one being a level 15 civil servant with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other a parent of the defendant.
The strict conditions have sparked criticism, with many describing them as unachievable for the defendants and their families, effectively leaving them incarcerated. Lawyers and activists argue that the conditions undermine access to fair legal recourse, especially for minors and low-income defendants.
At Friday’s arraignment, overcrowding led to a chaotic courtroom scene, with four minors collapsing due to illness. Proceedings were briefly suspended as they were attended to, and the prosecution later withdrew their names from the charge sheet. The remaining defendants, arrested in cities across Nigeria, pleaded not guilty to charges that include treason.
For now, without the means to meet these stringent bail requirements, the defendants remain detained, prompting renewed calls for justice and transparency in the handling of protest-related cases.