Four #EndBadGovernance protesters slump in court

The trial of some #EndBadGovernance protesters stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, after four defendants slumped during proceeding.

The defendants were among the 76 persons arrested by the police in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and three other states in the North over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August.

The Inspector-General of Police had earlier arraigned 11 protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court for alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit a felony, and inciting mutiny, among others.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

READ ALSO: Ex-minister, Ezekwesili, writes Tinubu over arraignment of #EndBadGovernance protesters

However, when the matter was called on Friday, the IGP’s lawyer, Audu Garba, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment of the 76 defendants, who had been in detention.

Shortly after they were called into the dock to take their plea, the four defendants slumped in the open court.

The quartet were – Usman Fatihu (21), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16) and Mustapha Ibrahim (18).

Following the incident, Justice Obiora Egwuatu abruptly stood down the trial and rose.

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