A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Nigerian Police’s request to detain 124 individuals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests for 60 days while investigations continue.
The decision, made by Justice Emeka Nwite, came after the Police’s counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, presented two ex-parte motions. Justice Nwite stated that the suspects, who are between 14 and 34 years old, will remain in custody due to the seriousness of the charges they face, including terrorism, treason, treasonable felonies, and arson.
The first ex-parte motion, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024, was filed on August 14, leading to the remand of 75 protesters. Among those detained are Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Abubakar Adam (19), Suleiman Ali (16), and several others, all aged between 14 and 34.
Several individuals, including minors, are accused of violating various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, and the Penal Code Act, among other laws. An affidavit submitted by Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), stated that the arrests were based on credible intelligence indicating a planned violent uprising aimed at destabilizing Nigeria. Ogochukwu explained:
“The planned violent insurrection was believed to have been orchestrated by terrorist groups both within and outside Nigeria to unleash terror against the sovereign state of Nigeria, scheduled to start on August 1, 2015.”
She further noted that despite heightened security measures, the protests went ahead, resulting in widespread violence, intimidation, and damage to both public and private property. She added:
“The violent protests caused death and bodily harm to citizens and led to arson and extensive destruction of government and private facilities, transport systems, and infrastructure in Nigeria.”
The police claim the suspects were found in possession of Russian flags and banners advocating for a Russian invasion of Nigeria. The affidavit also emphasized that a thorough investigation and identification of the sponsors were taking longer than anticipated, necessitating the request for a 60-day remand.
In a separate decision regarding a second ex-parte motion, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024, Justice Nwite ordered the detention of an additional 49 suspects accused of attempting to overthrow a democratically elected government. The judge also directed that underage suspects be held in the Borstal Home of the correctional center, with the case adjourned until October 23 for further proceedings.
The second group of suspects includes Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, Musiu Sadiq, Buhari Lawal, Love Angel Innocent, Suleiman Yakubu, Yunusa Aliyu, Ahmad Nasir, Muhammed Sani, Iliyasu Anas, Abdullahi Sani, Gaddafi Muhammed, Jibrin Abdulhakim, Mahmud Umar, Kabiru Rabiu, Aminu Muhammed, Sagir Hassan, Lukman Abubakar, Ahmed Isah, Abdullahi Abdulwahab, Hassan Muhammad, Abdullahi Salisu, Sabo Murtala, Fahad Ibrahim, Umar Yakubu, Zakari Yakubu, and Ahmed Haruna.
Detective Gregory Woje of the Force Criminal Investigation Department supported the motion, alleging that initial investigations uncovered the involvement of both foreign nationals and local financiers in the conspiracy. Woje stated:
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the financiers were sending money to recruit local and vulnerable individuals to carry banners and attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government.”
The police emphasized the severity of the charges, which include financing terrorism, treasonable felonies, and criminal conspiracy. Authorities argue that keeping the suspects in custody is crucial to reduce potential health risks due to overcrowded cells and to prevent any risk of escape.
The case has been adjourned until October 23 to allow for the investigation to be completed and for further legal proceedings.