The Federal High Court in Abuja suspended proceedings on Friday for four individuals charged in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests after they collapsed in the courtroom.
The defendants—Usman Fatihu (21), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16), and Mustapha Ibrahim (18)—collapsed shortly after entering the dock to take their pleas, prompting Justice Obiora Egwuatu to halt the proceedings and briefly retire to his chambers. The four were then escorted out for medical attention.
Upon returning, Justice Egwuatu stated that the defendants would be “discharged till they’re medically fit,” indicating that the trial will resume when their health improves. However, this decision means that three minors among them will continue to face terrorism and treason charges, despite the Child’s Rights Act, which prohibits trying underage children in regular courts.
The four, described as malnourished and unkempt, are among 76 defendants, including 28 minors, who were brought from detention for arraignment. They were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson related to a 10-day protest in August, which had turned violent in some parts of northern Nigeria.
The detainees have been held for nearly three months, initially in police custody before being remanded by court order. This order, requested by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, cited terrorism and criminal justice laws to justify the detention of protestors.
Defense attorney Abubakar Marshal from Falana and Falana Chambers criticized the prolonged detention and the treatment of minors in prison, noting they had been “starved” while detained. The case has sparked widespread condemnation of the authorities’ handling of the protest and the detention of minors.
