NIGERIAN AUTHORITIES SECURE COURT ORDER TO REMAND 124 #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS COMMITTING ACTS OF TERRORISM, TREASON, AND RELATED FELONIES, INCLUDING ARSON AND TERRORISM.
The protesters have been accused of committing acts of terrorism, treason, and other related felonies, including arson. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the police’s request to detain 124 protesters for 60 days while investigations are ongoing. This interim order, obtained through the News Agency of Nigeria and in response to ex-parte motions filed by police counsel Ibrahim Mohammed, allows for their continued detention. The court directed that minors among the suspects be held at a borstal home until investigations are complete.
On August 14, Justice Nwite granted an ex-parte motion filed by Mr. Mohammed on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, seeking the remand of 75 protesters, aged 14 to 34, for 60 days pending further investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation. The protesters are accused of various offenses under Nigerian law, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and other sections of the Criminal Code Act and Penal Code Act.
Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a litigation secretary at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, submitted an affidavit supporting the motion. She claimed that the Inspector-General’s office had received credible intelligence from the National Security Adviser about a planned violent uprising against the government. The protest, allegedly orchestrated by terrorist groups, took place as scheduled, causing significant disruption and damage. Ogochukwu stated that the suspects were caught in the act and are reasonably believed to be involved in the crimes. They were reportedly found with Russian flags and slogans advocating for an invasion of Nigeria.
Further, in a second ex-parte motion, the court ordered another 49 defendants to be detained for 60 days pending the investigation’s conclusion. The case has been adjourned until October 23. Mohammed alleged that the defendants were financing terrorism to overthrow a democratically elected government and conspiring with foreign nationals to seize the nation. Some of the accused include Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo, Michael Adaramuye, and Musiu Sadiq, among others.
