Nigerian Court Approves 60-Day Remand for 124 #EndBadGovernance Protesters Amid Terrorism Allegations

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Nigerian Police Force’s request to remand 124 individuals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests for 60 days. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite, who approved the ex-parte applications filed by the police pending the conclusion of investigations.

The ruling came after separate motions were moved by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police. In these motions, the police argued that the detainees, ranging in age from 14 to 34 years, were involved in serious crimes including terrorism, treason, arson, and other felonies. Among the suspects are minors, who have been ordered to be held in a Borstal Home until the investigation is complete.

According to court documents, the suspects are accused of violating multiple laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Specific charges include planning and participating in a violent uprising allegedly orchestrated by terrorist groups within and outside Nigeria, with the intent to incite chaos across the country.

The Inspector-General’s office, backed by intelligence from the National Security Adviser, claims to have received credible reports of a planned violent insurrection aimed at destabilizing the nation, with the supposed starting date being August 1, 2024.

Those detained include young adults and teenagers, such as Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Suleiman Ali (16), and Usman Amiru (14). The police allege that these individuals were part of a larger conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism against the Nigerian state.

The court’s decision has sparked concern among human rights groups, who are closely monitoring the situation as the investigation continues.