A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a police request to detain 124 #EndBadGovernance protesters for 60 days while investigations continue.
The ruling, made by Justice Emeka Nwite, followed ex-parte motions filed by Ibrahim Mohammed, representing the Inspector-General of Police.
Justice Nwite also ordered that minor suspects be held at a Borstal Home within the correctional system until investigations are complete.
The court’s decision, documented in motion FHC/ABJ/CS/1154/2024 and moved on August 14, allows for the 60-day remand period, pending the conclusion of the investigation and legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The Inspector-General’s motion, filed on August 9, lists 75 protesters aged 14 to 34 as defendants. Among them are Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Mas’ud (23), and several others, accused of engaging in acts of terrorism, treason, arson, and related felonies.
These charges are based on alleged violations of multiple laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The affidavit supporting the motion, sworn by Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary for the Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team, details a credible intelligence report received by the Inspector-General’s office, via the National Security Adviser.
The report warned of a planned violent uprising against the Nigerian government, believed to be orchestrated by terrorist groups both inside and outside Nigeria, set to begin on August 1, 2015.
Ogochukwu’s affidavit claims that despite increased security measures, the protest went ahead as planned, leading to significant public intimidation, deaths, injuries, and extensive damage to both public and private property.
The suspects were reportedly caught in the act, with some found carrying Russian flags, banners, and other materials that allegedly advocated for a sovereign invasion of Nigeria. The police believe the suspects are linked to proscribed terrorist groups and have admitted their involvement in voluntary statements.
Ogochukwu emphasized the need for extended time to complete the investigation, apprehend other suspects, and secure legal advice from the AGF’s office, necessitating the court’s approval for the extended remand.
