In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 114 protesters, including adults and minors, accused of burning public facilities during the End Bad Governance protests. The court, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwatu, set the bail at N10 million each, totaling a staggering N1.1 billion, with two sureties in like sum.
The protesters were accused of burning police stations, the High Court Complex, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Complex. The defendants were also alleged to have attacked and injured police officers. The prosecution, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), claimed that the protesters collaborated with a British citizen, Andrew Martin Wynne, to destabilize Nigeria and intimidate President Bola Tinubu.
This development comes after a heated court session, where the prosecution and defense lawyers presented their arguments. The court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the high bail amount and others welcoming the move as a step towards justice.
The case has been adjourned to January 24, 2025, for further hearing. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.