Ten individuals were charged with treason and conspiracy to incite military mutiny in Nigeria on Monday, following nationwide protests against the rising cost of living last month. The demonstrations, which brought thousands onto the streets, were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces. Amnesty International reported at least 13 deaths during the protests, despite security forces denying the use of lethal force.
The 10 men, who appeared in the Abuja Federal High Court, pleaded not guilty to the charges. If found guilty, they face the possibility of the death penalty, according to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong. State prosecutors presented court papers outlining their case, alleging that the protesters intended to destabilize Nigeria and conspired to commit treason.
In addition to treason, prosecutors also laid five other charges against the accused under Nigeria’s penal code. These included inciting the military to mutiny, burning government buildings, and disturbing public peace. The lawyers representing the protesters sought their release on bail, but the state opposed the request. The court is expected to rule on their bail application on September 11, when the trial is set to begin.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to release all individuals arrested during the protests unconditionally, calling the trial an attempt to justify the detention of protesters. “These are blatantly trumped-up charges that must be immediately withdrawn,” said Isa Sanusi, director for Amnesty International Nigeria.
The protests in Nigeria were inspired by demonstrations in Kenya in June, which led to the government there scrapping some planned tax increases. Nigerians are now mobilizing online, demanding the reinstatement of subsidies for petrol and electricity, free primary and secondary education, and measures to combat insecurity, among other demands.
The charges against the protesters come amidst growing pro-Russian sentiment in parts of West Africa. Moscow has been gaining influence in the region, particularly among militaries that have staged coups and severed ties with the West. This trend is evident in Nigeria’s northern neighbor, Niger, where French and American troops have been asked to leave, and Russia has been chosen as a new security partner.
