Ten protesters, involved in the nationwide “10 days of rage” demonstrations, could face the death penalty as a federal high court in the capital, Abuja, charges them with treason.
The Nigerian protesters, in an attempt to emulate anti-tax protests in Nairobi, were protesting against extremely tough economic times, following double figure inflation.
The arrested protesters were also charged with inciting armed mutiny.
The protests turned violent in some places, following clashes with security forces which left at least seven dead, according to police, though rights groups have put the death toll at 23.
They were accused of working with a British citizen “to destabilize Nigeria by calling on the military to take over the government from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, according to the charge sheet.
Amnesty urged the government to unconditionally release all the people arrested during the protests. It said the trial was meant to unlawfully justify detaining protesters.