There was a scene of emotional turmoil at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as suspected minors facing treason charges linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests were transported to Kuje prison after failing to meet their bail conditions.
The sight prompted spontaneous tears from several lawyers and other attendees.
Among those visibly affected was lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, who voiced deep concern about the minors’ situation.
“All the children have been taken to Kuje Prison because it is difficult to meet their bail conditions. I didn’t know when I started crying in court today,” he shared in a post on Facebook.
Earlier, PlatinumPost reported that the court granted bail to 76 individuals who had been detained after participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest. Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu set bail at N10 million per defendant with specific conditions attached.
Each defendant must secure two sureties: one a civil servant of at least grade level 15 with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other a parent of the accused protester.
In response to recent health concerns, the government temporarily withdrew charges against five of the minors, following incidents in which several youths fainted during the court session.
These minors, who have reportedly been detained for weeks, showed signs of deteriorating health, which worsened during the hearing, requiring immediate medical intervention. Witnesses described the situation as distressing, with lawyers assisting the fainting minors as they appeared in court. “A couple of them fainted inside the courtroom because of maltreatment; they have not eaten for some days,” a source disclosed.
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