- Seventy-six protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement have been arraigned in Abuja, with many exhibiting signs of severe malnutrition
- The group, including minors, faces serious charges such as treason after nationwide demonstrations against economic hardships
- The health condition of the protesters has sparked outrage and raised alarms among human rights advocates
Seventy-six protesters from the #EndBadGovernance movement have been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, November 1, where they appeared before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The group, which includes many minors, displayed signs of severe malnutrition and poor health, prompting concern as four individuals were swiftly carried out of the courtroom, unable to stand on their own.
The protesters, who were arrested during nationwide demonstrations between August 1 and 10, were expressing their frustrations over escalating economic hardships in Nigeria.
Their detention has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, particularly given the reported health conditions of those arrested.
Among the arrested are Nura Ibrahim, 24; Abdulbasi Abdusalami, 34; Ahmed Yusuf, 25; Awolu Abdulahi, 21; Umar Musa, 15; and Muhammadu Mustapha, 16.
They face serious charges, including treason, following their participation in protests held in various states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
As details of the arraignment unfold, the condition of the protesters and the implications of their arrest continue to raise alarms among human rights advocates and members of the public.
“Fearless October Protest”: British diplomat warns against foreign influence
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Mr David Roberts, a former British diplomat, had alerted the federal government to the planned protests over rising living costs in October, indicating that foreign entities could be behind the organising efforts.
Roberts advised the federal government to regard the looming “Fearless October protests” as a significant concern and to act swiftly to address it.
