In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the 10 protesters standing trial for alleged treason and attempting to destabilize the country. The protesters, who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, had been detained for several weeks before being brought to court.
The judge, in his ruling, acknowledged the protesters’ right to freedom of expression and assembly, stating that the charges against them did not warrant their continued detention. The court granted bail to the protesters, pending the outcome of their trial.
The protesters’ lawyer, who had argued that the charges were baseless and politically motivated, hailed the court’s decision as a victory for democracy and human rights. “This ruling is a testament to the power of the judiciary in upholding the rights of citizens,” he said.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began several months ago, aimed to draw attention to issues of corruption, economic mismanagement, and social injustice in the country. The protesters had called for reforms and accountability from the government.
The government had responded to the protests with force, arresting several protesters and charging them with treason and other offenses. Human rights groups had condemned the government’s actions, stating that they were an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
With the court’s decision to grant bail, the protesters are now free to continue their activism, pending the outcome of their trial. The ruling is seen as a significant blow to the government’s efforts to suppress dissent and a victory for the rights of citizens to express themselves freely.