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Hunger protesters get N10m bail, barred from further demonstrations
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Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, granted bail to 10 activists, who are being prosecuted by the Federal Government over the recent #Hunger or #Endbadgovernance protests.
The judge, in a ruling on Wednesday, said he was inclined to granting bail to the defendants, notwithstanding that the Federal Government charged them with capital offences, such as treason and mutiny.
The judge, however, barred the defendants from participating in any protest while their trial lasted in court.
The defendants are Michael Adaramoye, also known as Lenin, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair.
They are facing six counts in connection with alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony and inciting to mutiny, punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The defendants were also accused of making an attempt to force their way into the seat of power during which they reportedly burned down a police station and injured police officers.
They were also accused of inciting the Nigerian public against the government and destroying several public property, including a police station, high court complex and the National Communications Commission facilities.
All 10 defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Inspector General of Police.
Delivering his ruling on their bail applications on Wednesday, Justice Nwite said he was inclined to admit the defendants to bail because “the defendants/ applicants have shown in their proof of evidence that the defendants’ applicant are just protesters.”
Justice Nwite agreed with the argument of the first, second and fourth defendants’ counsel, Abubakar Marshal, “that anybody charged with a criminal offence must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
The judge said, “I have carefully considered the submission of the counsel on both divides. I hereby grant the defendant bail, notwithstanding the crime.
“The bail is hereby granted to the defendants’ applicant in the sum of N10m each and one surety in like sum.”
The sureties, according to the judge, must be Abuja-based property owner, willing to deposit the title document with the court and must also swear to an affidavit of means.
The judge ordered that the defendants and their sureties must deposit their passports and three recent passport photographs with the court registrar.
However, the judge said they would return to the prison custody until they perfected their respective bail conditions.
Justice Nwite also ordered the defendants to refrain from participating in any public rally or protests throughout their trial and fixed September 27 for the commencement of the trial.
At Wednesday’s sitting, Abubakar appeared for the first, second, and fourth defendant applicants.
Although he appeared for the third defendant at the previous sitting, he informed the court that the third defendant had been excluded from his legal representation.
Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.
Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.
While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.
He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.
Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.
The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.
However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.
“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.
“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.
“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”
The National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid recent crises in the party.
Dickson made this known in a statement on his official X handle, revealing that the meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, was attended by Obi and other senior party leaders.
“I just received my brother, colleague, and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr Peter Gregory Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours.
“In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues.
“We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, i.e., winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government. However, a few issues have arisen, and we have agreed on how to handle them moving forward.
“I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture.
“Both His Excellency Peter Obi and I, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of our party, will continue to consult and engage with one another to address and resolve concerns, strengthen the unity and cohesion of our party, and ensure that we remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for all.”
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