The Federal High Court in Abuja has reduced the bail for #EndBadGovernance protesters to N5 million each.
This decision was made by Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday after the defense appealed the initial bail conditions, which were quite stringent.
Initially, the ten protesters were granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, totaling N100 million with one surety in the same amount.
However, the protesters struggled to meet these conditions, prompting the defense to request a variation.
The Court required that the sureties be residents of Abuja, own property in the city, and deposit their property documents with the court registrar. Additionally, the sureties were required to swear to an affidavit of means, and both the defendants and sureties were to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the registrar.
The new bail conditions require each of the five protesters to pay N5 million, with a surety who must be a close relative, such as a father, mother, or another blood relative residing within the jurisdiction.
The protesters, including Michael Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abayomi, and seven others, face six counts, including treason, conspiracy to commit a felony, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilize Nigeria, all offences punishable under section 97 of the penal code.
They are accused of attempting to force their way into the seat of power, burning down a police station, and injuring officers. The Federal Government also claims they incited the public against the government and destroyed public properties, including a police station, the High Court complex, and National Communications Commission facilities.
The ten defendants, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/454/2024, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Inspector General of Police.