A minor drama unfolded at a Nigerian High Court in Abuja on Friday, as no fewer than four children, among the 76 defendants due to be arraigned for their involvement in the August #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country, collapsed during the proceedings.
The protest, which commenced on 1 August to call for good governance, concluded on 10 August.
The Inspector-General of Police had earlier charged 11 of the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite of a neighbouring court with alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony, and inciting mutiny, among other offences punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Gombe over the 10-day protest, which led to violence and fatalities in parts of the country.
However, when the matter was called on Friday, the Inspector-General’s lawyer, Audu Garba, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of the 76 defendants, who had been held in detention.
Shortly after they entered the dock to make their plea, four of the children collapsed in the open court.
The four were identified as Usman Fatihu (21), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16), and Mustapha Ibrahim (18).
They are the 68th, 74th, 75th, and 76th defendants on the 10-count accusation, which includes treason and other offences.
The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, abruptly suspended the trial and left the courtroom.
Justice Egwuatu returned a few minutes later to resume the trial.
