By Gideon Maxwell
September 2, 2024
Nigeria has charged ten individuals with treason and conspiracy to incite military mutiny following last month’s nationwide protests against the rising cost of living.
These demonstrations, which drew thousands to the streets, were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces, with Amnesty International reporting at least 13 fatalities, an allegation that security forces have denied.
The accused, arraigned at the Abuja Federal High Court, pleaded not guilty to the charges and faced the death penalty if convicted, according to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong.
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State prosecutors alleged that the protesters intended to destabilise Nigeria and conspired to commit treason.
The defendants are also charged with inciting the military to mutiny, arson of government buildings, and disturbing public peace.
Defence lawyers sought bail for the accused, which the state opposed.
The court is scheduled to rule on the bail application on September 11, when the trial is expected to begin.
Amnesty International has called for the unconditional release of all detained protesters, describing the charges as “blatantly trumped-up.”
The protests were largely driven by economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, in office since May 2023, which have exacerbated economic hardships through double-digit inflation, currency devaluation, and rising costs of petrol and electricity.
