Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, granted bail to 10 activists charged by the Federal Government over their involvement in the #Endbadgovernance protests.
Despite the defendants being charged with serious offences such as treason and mutiny, Justice Nwite ruled in favour of granting bail.
The judge emphasized that the defendants should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, he barred them from participating in any protests while their trial is ongoing.
The activists—Michael Adaramoye (Lenin), Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair—face charges related to treason, conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria, and inciting mutiny, punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The charges stem from their alleged attempt to storm the seat of power, during which they reportedly damaged public property, including a police station and high court complex.
All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty.
The court granted bail in the sum of N10 million for each defendant, alongside one surety who must be a property owner in Abuja. The sureties are required to submit title documents and sworn affidavits.
Additionally, the defendants must deposit their passports with the court registrar.
While bail was granted, the activists will remain in custody until their bail conditions are met. The trial is set to begin on September 27, 2024.
