EndBadGovernance: Court Orders 60-Day Detention for 124 Protesters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the police to detain 124 protesters associated with the EndBadGovernance movement for a period of 60 days while investigations are ongoing.

The court's decision, issued by Justice Emeka Nwite, comes amidst serious allegations against the detainees, including terrorism, treason, treasonable felonies, and arson.

Justice Nwite's ruling was based on separate ex-parte motions moved by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police.

The judge granted the interim order to remand the suspects until the conclusion of investigations and the provision of legal advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

"The suspects will be held for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation and legal advice from the AGF," stated Justice Nwite in his ruling.

The detainees, whose ages range from 14 to 34 years, include minors who have been ordered to be remanded in Borstal Home within the correctional centre.

Among those detained are Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Mas’ud (23), and several others.

The police allege that these individuals committed acts contrary to multiple legal provisions, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The charges against the protesters are severe, encompassing violations of Sections 2(1) and (3), 24, and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022; Sections 41 and 42 of the Criminal Code Act; Sections 410, 411, 412 of the Penal Code Act; and Section 4 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.