The Nigeria Police Force has secured court approval to detain 124 individuals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest for an extended period of 60 days as investigations continue.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued this ruling in response to ex-parte motions filed by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The interim detention order will hold until investigations are complete and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) provides legal counsel.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the court ordered that minors among the detained individuals be held at the Borstal Home within the correctional facility until the investigation is finalized.
According to documents, the suspects, aged 14 to 34, have been accused of engaging in acts of terrorism, treason, and arson.
The charges fall under several legal provisions, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Among the arrested individuals are young men and minors, including Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Suleiman Ali (16), Umar Musa (19), and several others, with the youngest being just 14 years old.
Authorities allege that these individuals were part of a coordinated effort to incite violence against the Nigerian government, with some suspects reportedly found carrying Russian flags and banners.
The police suspect that these actions were orchestrated by foreign terrorist groups in collaboration with local elements to destabilize Nigeria.
Miss Elizabeth Ogochukwu, a Litigation Secretary with the Legal and Prosecution Section of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), testified in support of the motion.
She revealed that credible intelligence had alerted the office of the Inspector-General about a planned violent insurrection intended to overthrow the government, set to begin on August 1, 2024. Despite enhanced security measures, the protest proceeded, leading to significant damage and loss of life.
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The suspects were apprehended during the protests and are believed to be part of a larger network involved in financing terrorism and organizing treasonous activities. The court has adjourned the case until October 23, when further proceedings will take place.
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