The Federal Government has filed treason charges against 10 protesters, including a British citizen, Andrew Martin Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich), in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The 10 protesters charged are: Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (also known as Lenin), 28; Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (also known as Yomi), 34; Suleiman Yakubu, 28; Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, 50; Angel Love Innocent, 51; Buhari Lawal, 21; Mosiu Sadiq, 28; Bashir Bello (also known as Murtala), 51; Nuradeen Khamis, 47; and Abdulsalam Zubairu, 37.
The suspects also include others at large, such as Lucky Ehis Obiyan and Comrade Musa Abdullahi.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, include felony and treason, contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code. The protesters are accused of conspiring to destabilize Nigeria, inciting mutiny, and levying war against the state.
The charge sheet reads: “That you, the above-named defendants, along with others including Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), a British citizen, male, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, and others now at large, are accused of conspiring between July 1, 2024, and August 4, 2024, at Karshi, Abuja FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, with the intent to destabilize Nigeria by committing felony, to wit: treason. This offense is contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
“The same individuals and others, including Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), a British citizen, male, 70 years, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, now at large, between July 1, 2024, and August 4, 2024, at Karshi, Abuja FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, are accused of acting in concert with the intent to destabilize Nigeria by inciting mutiny. This offense is contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
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“The accused, along with Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), male, 70 years, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, now at large, between July 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024, in Abuja FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, are accused of acting in concert to levy war against the state with intent to intimidate or overawe the President by attacking and injuring police officers and burning police stations, the High Court Complex, NCC Complex, Kano Printing Press, Government House Kano, Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency office, NURTW office, and several other buildings. This offense is contrary to Section 410 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3LFN.
“The accused, along with Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), male, 70 years, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, now at large, between July 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024, in Nyanya, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Katsina, and other states within the jurisdiction of this court, are accused of inciting mutiny by calling on the military to take over the government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by chanting ‘Tinubu must go’ and ‘soja muskeso’ (meaning ‘it is the military we want’), while rioting and disturbing public peace. This offense is contrary to Section 413 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN.
“The accused, along with Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), male, 70 years, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, now at large, between July 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024, in Abuja FCT, Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Katsina, and other states within the jurisdiction of this court, are accused of inciting public disturbance and disaffection towards the government by carrying placards with inscriptions like ‘end bad government’ to incite public unrest. This offense is contrary to Section 416 of the Penal Code (Northern States) Federal Provisions Act CAP P3 LFN.
“The accused, along with Andrew Martin Wynne (aka Andrew Povich), male, 70 years, Lucky Ehis Obiyan, male, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, male, now at large, between July 1, 2024, and August 10, 2024, in Abuja FCT, Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, and Katsina, are accused of conspiring with the intent to destabilize Nigeria and remove the President by unconstitutional means. They allegedly mobilized their members to force their way into Abacha Army Barracks, Government House Kano, and destroyed the High Court, Printing Press, and NCC Complexes in Kano.”
The Inspector General of Police is the sole complainant in the case.
Recall that the protests, which drew thousands of demonstrators across various cities, were fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with government policies, fuel subsidy removal, allegations of corruption, and growing economic hardships.
The protests, which lasted 10 days, saw protesters demand better governance, accountability, and an end to systemic issues plaguing the nation.
The government’s response has sparked outrage among civil society groups and international human rights organizations.
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the arrests and called for the unconditional release of the protesters.
The organization reported that over 2,111 suspects were arrested, with 1,403 arraigned in various courts.