Federal High Court remands #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kuje prison

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of several protesters involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.

The remand is set at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application scheduled for September 11, 2024.

This decision was made after the defendants pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge brought against them by the Federal Government, including allegations of terrorism.

The charges were filed on August 30, 2024, and were signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Lough, SAN, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

During the proceedings, the defendant’s counsel moved an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution because some of the charges carry capital punishment.

Despite the defence’s request for the defendants to be remanded in police custody, Justice Nwite ruled that they should be held at the Kuje Correctional Center, with the female defendant being remanded at the Keffi Correctional Center in Nasarawa State.

The charges against the defendants include treason, destabilizing the country, intimidating the President, and destroying the National Communications Commission facility in Kano.

The government also named a British citizen, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich), as a defendant in the case.

The bail hearing is set for September 11, 2024, when the court will decide on the defendant’s release pending trial.