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Ten people arrested during last month’s nationwide protests in Nigeria, known as the “10 Days of Rage,” were Monday charged with treason and a range of other serious offenses. Appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the defendants, all of whom pleaded not guilty, face accusations that have drawn significant international attention.
The protests, which erupted on August 1, were sparked by mounting frustration over Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis. Thousands of citizens took to the streets in major cities across the country, chanting slogans like “we are hungry” and “end bad governance.” Social media played a key role in mobilizing the demonstrators, inspired partly by similar recent protests in Kenya that led to the reversal of a controversial tax hike.
However, what began as peaceful demonstrations quickly spiraled out of control, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Official figures state that at least seven people were killed, but human rights organizations claim the death toll could be as high as 23. Authorities also reported nearly 700 arrests nationwide as they struggled to quell the unrest.
The ten defendants were additionally accused of damaging public property and injuring police officers during the demonstrations. Prosecutors have alleged that the group conspired with a British citizen to “destabilize Nigeria” by calling for a military takeover from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They are said to have chanted, “Tinubu must go, it is soldiers we want,” as they marched through the streets.
Despite their lawyers’ appeals for bail, the court ruled they should remain in custody. This decision has been met with outrage from rights groups. Amnesty International called the trial “a sham” and demanded a fair investigation into the deaths and mass arrests during the protests.
The Nigerian government defended its response to the unrest, claiming that the demonstrations were “hijacked by thugs” involved in looting and property destruction. Curfews were imposed in several regions to restore order.
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