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The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final warning to the prosecution team in the prolonged treason trial of the #Abuja11 protesters, threatening to strike out the case if proceedings do not commence at the next hearing date.

At today’s sitting, the case was once again stalled after the newly assigned prosecuting counsel, Ibrahim Muhammed, requested additional time to familiarize himself with the case file. Muhammed was only appointed earlier in the day following the compulsory retirement of the former prosecutor, Simon Lough (SAN), who was removed from office over allegations of age falsification and gross misconduct.

The #Abuja11—comprising peaceful demonstrators arrested during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests—have faced nearly a year of adjournments, delays, and what many observers describe as politically motivated persecution. Throughout this period, the defendants have shown unwavering compliance with court summonses, often at great personal and financial cost.

Many of the accused must travel long distances, take time off work, and endure mounting economic hardship just to attend the hearings. Defence lawyers argue that this ongoing ordeal reflects not guilt but the defendants’ determination to clear their names and defend their constitutional right to protest.

During today’s proceedings, defence counsel Deji Adeyanju strongly opposed the prosecution’s request for more time. Citing Section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), Adeyanju urged the court to dismiss the case for lack of diligent prosecution. He also referenced a related case involving minors previously withdrawn by the state, underscoring what he described as a pattern of frivolous and unsustainable charges.

Abubakar Marshal, another lead defence lawyer, reinforced the call for dismissal, describing the treason charges as “vague and lifeless” under Section 353(1) of the ACJA. Highlighting the economic and emotional toll on the defendants, Marshal requested the court to award ₦500,000 in costs to each of the accused persons.

Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, acknowledged the consistent delays in the case, including those attributable to the court itself. In a stern rebuke, he warned the prosecution that the court would strike out the case entirely if the trial fails to proceed on the next adjourned date, set for October 9, 2025.

“The court cannot continue to tolerate unnecessary delays in this matter,” Justice Nwite cautioned, making clear that no further adjournments will be entertained.

The case of the #Abuja11 has become emblematic of broader concerns over shrinking civic space and the criminalization of dissent in Nigeria. Rights groups and democracy advocates have consistently criticized the government’s handling of the trial, pointing out that while peaceful protesters face treason charges, those implicated in political and economic mismanagement remain untouched.

As the October date approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to see whether justice will finally prevail—or whether Nigeria’s judicial process will continue to be used as a tool of political repression.

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