A Nigerian judge on Wednesday granted bail to 10 protesters charged with treason and conspiring to incite the military to mutiny following protests last month over the cost of living crisis.
The protests, sparked by high inflation and rising living costs, saw thousands of Nigerians take to the streets for 10 days. The demonstrations were met with a deadly crackdown by security forces, with Amnesty International reporting at least 13 fatalities, although authorities have denied using lethal force.
Judge Emeka Nwite granted bail to nine men and one woman, who have all pleaded not guilty. In his ruling, Nwite stated, “Irrespective of the nature of the offence and the severity of punishment, I here grant the accused bail at the sum of 10 million naira each.”
The government had opposed bail during the initial presentation of charges last week, as treason carries the potential for a death sentence if convicted.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to unconditionally release all individuals detained during the protests. The trial has been adjourned until Sept. 27.
