A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to underage #EndBadGovernance protesters, setting the amount at N10 million each. The ruling has faced backlash due to the high bail conditions and the perceived disparity in legal treatment compared to politicians, raising concerns about justice in Nigeria.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to underage protesters who participated in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August 2024. On November 1, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that each of the defendants is to pay N10 million for their release.
The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties, each also valued at N10 million. One of the sureties must be a civil servant at grade level 15 or above, with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction. The other must be a parent of the protesting minor.
The ruling has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the fairness of the bail amount, especially for individuals who are underage. Social media users expressed outrage, highlighting the disparity in the legal treatment of politicians and everyday citizens. Comments pointed out that the bail amount is exorbitant, considering the financial capabilities of the families involved.
Nigerians have compared the treatment of these young protesters to that of politicians who face far lighter penalties for serious offenses, raising concerns about justice and equity within the legal system.
