Nigeria Charges 10 with Treason Amid Cost-of-Living Protests

Nigeria has charged 10 individuals with treason and inciting military mutiny following protests against a cost of living crisis. The protests saw deadly crackdowns, resulting in at least 13 deaths. The accused, if convicted, face the death penalty. Amnesty International has called for their immediate release.

On Monday, Nigeria charged 10 individuals with treason and conspiracy to incite military mutiny following last month's nationwide protests against the rising cost of living. Thousands participated in the demonstrations that were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces, which Amnesty International reported resulted in at least 13 deaths. The security forces denied using lethal force.

The accused appeared in the Abuja Federal High Court, entering a plea of not guilty. They face the death penalty if convicted, according to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong. State prosecutors alleged in court documents seen by Reuters that the protesters aimed to destabilize Nigeria and conspired to commit treason. Additional charges include inciting the military to mutiny, arson of government buildings, and disturbing public peace.

Defense lawyers sought bail for the accused, which the state opposed. The court is set to rule on September 11 when their trial is expected to commence. Amnesty International has urged the government to release all detained protesters unconditionally, describing the charges as fabricated and meant to justify the unlawful detention of the demonstrators. Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria's director, called for the immediate withdrawal of the charges. Nigerians attribute the current economic hardships to policies enacted by President Bola Tinubu, whose reforms have led to double-digit inflation and increased costs for petrol and electricity.

(With inputs from agencies.)