The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday struck out the treason trial of Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 other #EndBadGovernance protesters. Lenin and the other activists — Daniel Akande, Mosiu Sodeeq, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Bashir Bello, Nuradeen Khamis and Abdulsalam Zubairu — were arrested and charged with treason over the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests of August 2024.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered the ruling after striking out all treason and terrorism-related charges filed against the 11 protesters.

The judge’s decision, described by activist, Lenin as a “historic victory,” resulted in the full acquittal of the accused, who had been detained and prosecuted for allegedly participating in what security agencies previously labelled as a threat to national security

“The Judge just struck out our case due to the lack of diligence of the prosecutor, who was absent in court,” Lenin said. In October, the court had fixed the second Wednesday in December for the continuation of the trial, marking the fifth time since the matter was adjourned.

However, Abubakar Marshal, counsel for 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters, has demanded immediate compensation and formal apology from the Nigerian government after an Abuja court on Wednesday discharged and acquitted his clients.

Marshal, speaking to journalists outside the court, described the case as “a state-backed persecution anchored on fear of dissent,” insisting that the only offence of the protesters was demanding good governance and accountability. According to him, these are rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.