Special to USAfrica magazine (Houston) and USAfricaonline.com, the first Africa-owned, US-based newspaper published on the Internet
Earlier today on Monday September 2, 2024, the government of Nigeria headed by President Bola Tinubu dragged 10 persons to the Abuja Federal High Court Abuja with the serious charges of treason and conspiring to destabilize the country through alleged efforts to incite the military to overthrow the government. The main charges, if convicted, carry the death penalty.
A part of the charges stated that they acted “with intent to destabilize Nigeria … and intimidate the president”.
The protesters and alleged conspirators were part of the August 2024 demonstrations against the hardships and skyrocketing prices of foods, fuel and all the necessities of living in Nigeria.
Regarding the treason charges, Isa Sanusi, director for Amnesty International in Nigeria stated that “These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn.”
Amnesty International said that at least 22 protesters were killed by the Nigerian security forces during the demonstrations. The government disputes this number.
This is not only despicable but outrageous. I hope these detainees have access to Lawyers. How can demonstration in a democracy lead to a death Penalty charge? Is that what his AG and Ministry of Justice advised ? .