There was a drama at a Federal High in Abuja on Friday as four children among the 76 defendants billed for arraignment over their involvement in the August #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country collapsed during their trial.

The protest, which began on August 1 to demand good governance, ended on August 10.

The Inspector-General of Police had earlier charged 11 of the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court on alleged treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria, conspiracy to commit felony and inciting mutiny, among others, which are punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Gombe states over the 10-day protest which resulted in violence and killings in parts of the country.

However, when the matter was called on Friday, the IG’s lawyer, Audu Garba, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment of the 76 defendants, who had been in detention.

Shortly after they were called into the dock to take their pleas, four of the children slumped in the open court.

The four were Usman Fatihu (21 years), Muhammed Yahaya (14 years), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16 years) and Mustapha Ibrahim (18 years).

They are 68th, 74th, 75th, and 76th defendants respectively in the 10-count charge bordering on treason, among other offences.

The trial judge, Obiora Egwuatu, abruptly stood down the trial and rose.

Justice Egwuatu came back some minutes later to continue with the trial.

(NAN)