A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Nigerian Police’s request to remand 124 individuals for 60 days, following their arrest during the #EndBadGovernance protests. The decision was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite after the Inspector-General of Police’s counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, presented two ex-parte motions. The suspects, aged between 14 and 34, are accused of serious charges, including terrorism, treason, and arson.

The first ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024, involved 75 protesters, many of whom are minors, allegedly violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, and the Penal Code Act. The police, through an affidavit by Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary with the Intelligence Response Team, claimed that the arrests followed credible intelligence indicating a planned violent uprising aimed at destabilizing Nigeria. The affidavit stated that despite increased security measures, the protests proceeded, leading to violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The suspects were allegedly found in possession of Russian flags and banners, promoting an invasion of Nigerian territory by Russia.

The second ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1223/2024, led to the remand of another 49 suspects, accused of attempting to overthrow a democratically elected government. Detective Gregory Woje from the Force Criminal Investigation Department alleged that preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of foreign nationals and local financiers who funded the protests to recruit vulnerable individuals for the cause. The charges include terrorism financing, treasonable felonies, and criminal conspiracy.

The court has adjourned the case until October 23 to allow for the completion of investigations and further legal proceedings. The remand is considered necessary to prevent potential health risks in overcrowded cells and to avoid the risk of escape.