Abuja, Nigeria – A Nigerian judge on Wednesday granted bail to 10 individuals charged with treason and conspiracy to incite the military to mutiny following last month’s protests against the rising cost of living.
The protestors had taken to the streets for ten days to demonstrate against soaring inflation, which had made it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to meet their basic needs. The protests were met with a violent crackdown by security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to Amnesty International.
Judge Emeka Nwite exercised his discretion to grant bail to the nine men and one woman who had pleaded not guilty to the charges. He set bail at 10 million naira each.
The government had opposed bail when the charges were initially presented, arguing for the death penalty if the accused were found guilty.
Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to release all those arrested during the protests unconditionally.
The court has adjourned the trial to September 27.
