On Monday, Nigeria charged ten individuals with treason and conspiracy to incite military mutiny in connection with last month's nationwide protests against the cost of living crisis. Thousands took to the streets during these demonstrations, which were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces. Amnesty International reported at least 13 deaths, a claim denied by the security forces. The ten accused appeared in Abuja Federal High Court and pleaded not guilty, facing the death penalty if found guilty, according to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong.
State prosecutors cited in court documents seen by Reuters alleged that the protesters aimed to destabilize Nigeria and conspired to commit treason. Additionally, the accused were charged under the penal code with inciting mutiny in the military, burning government buildings, and disturbing public peace. Lawyers for the protesters requested bail, which the state opposed. The court is set to rule on September 11, with the trial expected to commence.
Amnesty International called for the unconditional release of all those arrested during the protests, arguing that the trial aims to unjustly justify detaining the protesters. "These charges are clearly fabricated and should be immediately withdrawn," stated Isa Sanusi, director for Amnesty International Nigeria. Nigerians attribute the economic hardships, exacerbated by double-digit inflation following currency devaluation and increased costs of petrol and electricity, to economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu, who has been in office since May 2023.
