Hardship protests : Police to arraign wanted British citizen, 80 Nigerians on Nov 1

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has scheduled November 1, 2024, for the arraignment of 80 individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspects face a 10-count charge, including allegations of felony, inciting mutiny, assaulting police officers, arson, and public disturbance during the anti-hardship protests held in August.

These actions allegedly violate sections of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provision Act CAP P3 2004, with penalties outlined in the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

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Among those to be arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu is Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, a 70-year-old British national declared wanted by police for his alleged involvement in the same offences.

In early August, Nigerians took to the streets under the #EndBadGovernance banner, protesting the worsening economic conditions across parts of the country. The demonstrations took place between August 1 and 10, 2024.

Court documents reveal that the offences in question occurred between July 31 and August 4 in Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna.

The defendants are accused of conspiring to disrupt national stability by attacking and injuring police officers, torching police stations, and damaging government and private properties, including the High Court complex, Kano Printing Press, and the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency office.

One of the charges states: “The 81 defendants and others at large, with the intent to destabilize Nigeria, levied war against the state to intimidate or overpower the President by attacking and injuring police officers, setting public buildings ablaze, and thereby committing an offence contrary to section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN 2004.”

Additional accusations include calling for a military takeover of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, chanting “Tinubu Must Go,” rioting, and displaying Russian flags.

Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the legal representative for the defendants, has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the protesters, many of whom, he claims, are minors.

(LEADERSHIP)