In response to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President’s directive, the First Vice President, Sabastine Anyia Esq., has initiated efforts to coordinate pro-bono legal services for EndBadGovernance protesters facing trial in various courts across the Country. Mr. Anyia is working with the chairmen of the NBA Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano branches.
The legal department of the Nigerian Police Force, led by Simon Lough SAN, on 2nd of September 2024 arraigned some of the protesters before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The protesters who were brought before the court include:Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin)Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi)Suleiman YakubuComrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon (aka Bob-Simon)Angel Love Innocent (aka Loveth)Buhari LawalMosius SadiqBashir Bello (aka Murtala)Nuradeen KhamisAbdulsalam Zubairu.
The protesters were arraigned on a six-count charge under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, which includes:TreasonIntent to destabilize NigeriaConspiracy to commit felonyRioting and disturbing public peaceMutinyInciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola TinubuUpon arraignment, all ten protesters pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense counsel immediately made an oral application for their bail, which was met with opposition from the prosecution. Despite this opposition, the court allowed the oral application and scheduled the matter for ruling and trial on the 11th of September 2024.
Justice Nwite ordered the remand of the nine male defendants at Kuje Correctional Center, while the only female defendant, Angel Love Innocent, was remanded at Suleja Correctional Center.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Monitoring Committee led by Barr. Vincent Otaokpukpu (KSJI), has been closely monitoring the proceedings.According to Mr. Anyia, the cases were adjourned to 5th of September (Kaduna trial), 11th of September (Abuja trial) and 11th of September (Kano trial).
The NBA is committed to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the rule of law and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the case as it unfolds.
