Ten protesters in Nigeria could face the death penalty after being charged with treason for participating in demonstrations against the country’s severe economic crisis.
They were arraigned in Abuja and accused of intending to destabilize Nigeria and intimidate the president.
The protesters, who pleaded not guilty, will remain in prison until a bail hearing on September 11. Among the accused is a British citizen still at large.
The British High Commission has yet to comment on the case, which has drawn international attention.
Nigerian police accused Andrew Wynne, the British citizen, of collaborating with the protesters as a foreign mercenary.
They allege he aimed to topple the government, but no evidence was provided to support these claims, raising concerns about the credibility of the accusations.
Amnesty International reported that at least 22 protesters were killed by security forces during the demonstrations, though authorities deny this.
The Associated Press confirmed three deaths, but the fate of many arrested protesters remains unknown, fueling fears of human rights violations.
The treason charges, condemned by many, have sparked outrage, with critics accusing the government of using Nigeria’s harsh Penal Code to suppress dissent.
Amnesty International called the charges “trumped-up” and demanded their immediate withdrawal.
