A Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to dismiss the treason charges against 11 Nigerian youths linked to the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests due to repeated delays by prosecutors.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the warning on Tuesday after the trial was stalled yet again. The new prosecutor, Ibrahim Muhammed, requested an adjournment, stating he had just taken over the case following the retirement of the previous prosecutor, Simon Lough (SAN).
Muhammed explained, "I only assumed this case today after the former prosecutor’s exit. I need time to review the file." However, defense lawyers strongly opposed the delay, arguing that the prolonged case has caused severe financial strain on the defendants, some of whom have had to sell property or take loans to attend court.
Deji Adeyanju, representing three defendants, urged the court to dismiss the case under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) for lack of diligent prosecution. Another lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, highlighted the vague nature of the charges and requested ₦500,000 in compensation for each defendant.
Justice Nwite acknowledged the delays but granted one final adjournment, warning that failure to proceed on the next hearing scheduled for August 9, 2025 would result in the case being struck out.
The defendants include activists such as Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin), Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi), and others accused of involvement in the 2024 protests.
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