80 suspects to be arraigned for anti-hardship protests in November

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has set November 1, 2024, for the arraignment of 80 individuals at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

These suspects are facing a 10-count charge, which includes allegations of felony, inciting mutiny, assaulting police officers, arson, and public disturbance during the anti-hardship protests held in August 2024.

The charges, which violate various sections of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provision Act CAP P3 2004 and the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, carry significant penalties.

Among those to be arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu is 70-year-old British national Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, who has been declared wanted by the police for his alleged role in the protests.

The protests, which occurred from August 1 to 10, 2024, saw Nigerians rally under the #EndBadGovernance movement to protest the worsening economic conditions in the country.

The disturbances took place in Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna between July 31 and August 4, resulting in attacks on police officers, arson of police stations, and destruction of both government and private properties, including the Kano High Court complex, Kano Printing Press, and the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency office.

One of the charges states: “The 81 defendants and others at large, with the intent to destabilize Nigeria, levied war against the state to intimidate or overpower the President by attacking and injuring police officers, setting public buildings ablaze, and thereby committing an offence contrary to section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.”

Additional accusations include calling for a military takeover of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, chanting “Tinubu Must Go,” rioting, and displaying Russian flags.

Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the legal representative for the defendants, has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the protesters, many of whom, he claims, are minors.

(LEADERSHIP)