The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has set a hefty N100 million bail bond for the 10 members of the End Hunger protests, who face charges of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between July 1 and August 4 this year.
On Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that each protester must secure one surety in the same amount, with the sureties required to reside in Abuja, own property there, and provide documents and affidavits of means. Additionally, both the defendants and their sureties must deposit their international passports and three recent passport photographs with the court.
Despite objections from the Inspector General of Police, Justice Nwite granted bail with the condition that the defendants refrain from participating in any public rallies during their trial. Pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions, the defendants will remain in prison custody.
The trial is scheduled to begin on September 27. The accused were reportedly involved in a week-long nationwide protest during which they allegedly waged war against Nigeria, breached the Abacha Army Barracks, and called for a military takeover of the government. They also face allegations of burning police stations, injuring police officers, inciting public unrest, and damaging several public properties including police stations, the High Court complex, and National Communication Commission (NCC) facilities.
The accused are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair.
