The trial of Adaramoye Michael Lenin, National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), and ten other #EndBadGovernance protesters has been postponed yet again, with the court rescheduling proceedings for June 25.
This marks the third adjournment of the case, leaving the defendants in legal limbo as they face grave charges of treason, terrorism, mutiny, and conspiracy, all carrying the potential for a death penalty.
Lenin, a key organiser of the August 2024 protests against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, has strongly condemned the repeated delays, denouncing the charges as trumped-up accusations meant to suppress dissent.
“Again, Justice Emeka Nwite refused to show up in court to commence our trial, despite two previous adjournments for unexplainable reasons. June 25 has been chosen as the new date—we will be waiting for them,” Lenin said.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which lasted 10 days, sought to highlight the economic hardships facing Nigerians. However, the demonstrations were violently suppressed by security forces, leading to the arrest and detention of Lenin and his co-defendants.
In response to the delay, the defendants have petitioned Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, urging him to drop the charges immediately.
“This delay means that myself and the other 10 defendants have our lives on hold, with the possibility of a death penalty hanging on our necks,” Lenin said. “Of course, we have no fear as these charges are trumped-up, with no single evidence connecting any of us to crimes of treason, terrorism, mutiny, or conspiracy.”
The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has also called for the immediate dismissal of the charges, warning that the case sets a dangerous precedent for democratic rights in Nigeria.
Lenin expressed gratitude for the support received from activists and urged Nigerians to continue resisting repression.
The defendants in the case include:
• Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (Lenin), 28
• Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (Yomi), 34
• Suleiman Yakubu, 28
• Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, 50
• Angel Love Innocent, 51
• Buhari Lawal, 21
• Mosiu Sadiq, 28
• Bashir Bello (Murtala), 51
• Nuradeen Khamis, 47
• Abdulsalam Zubairu, 37
With June 25 now set as the new trial date, activists warn that the repeated adjournments are part of a broader effort to intimidate and silence dissent in Nigeria.
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