Adaramoye Micheal Lenin, one of the eleven #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters arraigned in court today, 25th of June 2025, has given a detailed account of proceedings at the resumed hearing of the ongoing treason trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to Lenin via his Facebook page, today marked the first time the presiding judge appeared after three consecutive absences, which had stalled progress in the case.
Meanwhile, the previous prosecuting counsel representing the Nigerian Police had reportedly been dismissed over corruption allegations. In his place, a new prosecutor, Barrister Ibrahim, appeared on behalf of the state.
However, rather than proceeding with the trial, the new prosecutor requested an adjournment to allow time to familiarize himself with the case files. This request was met with strong resistance from the defense team, led by human rights lawyers Barrister Deji Adeyanju and Barrister Marshall. They described the request as another ploy by the state to waste time and prolong the suffering of the accused.
“Our lawyers rightly accused the state of deliberate time-wasting and irresponsibility,” Lenin said. “They demanded that the case be struck out completely.”
While the judge refused to strike out the case, he issued a warning that any further delay by the prosecution would lead to the dismissal of the charges. The court then adjourned the trial to October 9, 2025.
In a disturbing twist during today’s proceedings, the new prosecutor, Barrister Ibrahim, openly referred to the defendants as criminals who had committed crimes against the state. He claimed the state had “overwhelming evidence” and multiple witnesses to prosecute the accused. In a shocking and demeaning remark, he said any defendant who could not afford to attend court sessions should be returned to prison to “enjoy free transportation.”
“This renewed interest of the state in the treason trial shows that the attacks on democratic rights under Tinubu are far from over,” Lenin said. “It’s clear that the regime is determined to punish dissent, even as it claims to be defending democracy.”
He called for urgent mass action, solidarity campaigns, and strong public pressure to demand the immediate withdrawal of what he described as “outrageous charges” against peaceful protesters.
“The state has reminded us again that we must spare no effort in fighting for our democratic rights,” he concluded.
The arraigned protesters were arrested in connection with the August 2024 nationwide demonstrations under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria banner, a movement that emerged in response to worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and human rights violations across the country.
