The ongoing detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests has sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria.
The arrest and subsequent treatment of these youths, who were protesting against government policies perceived as detrimental to their livelihoods, have drawn ire from human rights organizations, political leaders, and concerned citizens.
Prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, have voiced their outrage, emphasizing the unacceptable treatment of these children.
In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to 76 defendants, including at least 28 minors, who are facing charges related to the protests. These charges include terrorism, treason, and other offenses linked to the August demonstrations that erupted in response to worsening economic conditions and perceived governmental neglect.
During the court proceedings, many defendants appeared visibly malnourished and unkempt, prompting serious concerns about their treatment while in detention.
Notably, four individuals—Usman Fatihu (21), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Muktar Ishak Alhassan (16), and Mustapha Ibrahim (18)—collapsed in court as they attempted to enter pleas. The disturbing scenes were captured on video and circulated widely on social media, drawing national attention.
Judge Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the case, paused the proceedings to allow the four to receive medical attention, stating they were “discharged till they’re medically fit.”
This decision highlights the severe conditions under which these defendants were held, sparking further outrage among the public and human rights advocates.
Amnesty International has been at the forefront of the outcry, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all minors detained since August. The organization issued a statement condemning the actions of the Nigerian government, specifically targeting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Amnesty International condemns President Bola Tinubu’s government for the continued detention of minors for participating in the August #EndBadGovernance protests,” the organization stated.
They described the treatment of the minors as “one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly.”
Amnesty’s condemnation was fueled by the shocking visuals of the minors in court, which many have compared to scenes from a concentration camp.
The organization emphasized that the Nigerian authorities are escalating their attempts to suppress the right to peaceful protest through horrifying detentions and sham trials.
They stated, “The government of President Bola Tinubu must uphold the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights of everyone in the country — including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. All protesters currently on trial or detained must be released.”
The protests, which occurred from August 1 to August 10, drew significant attention across the nation as demonstrators took to the streets in various cities. They protested against the removal of petrol subsidies, the floating of the naira, and the overall economic hardship many Nigerians are experiencing. The protesters argued that these policies have made life unbearable for ordinary citizens, particularly the youth and vulnerable populations.
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the treatment of the minors, drawing parallels to historical atrocities.
He remarked, “A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been brought to my notice. The horrible scene, reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, once again reflects the low premium the current government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.”
Abubakar highlighted the legal framework protecting minors in Nigeria, citing Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act, which guarantees the dignity of children.
He stated, “Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment.”
He condemned the government’s actions, stating that the minors should never have faced such brutal treatment for exercising their constitutional rights to protest against policies that directly affect their lives.
Obi also expressed his dismay over the situation, calling it “disturbing and condemnable.” He stressed the need for the Nigerian government to respect the dignity of all individuals, particularly minors.
Obi noted, “From their look, they were poorly handled despite being in the custody of the federal government of Nigeria. The offense being alleged against these suspects, including minors, is protesting against bad governance that was directly affecting their livelihood.”
He called on relevant authorities to investigate the inhumane treatment of the minors, warning that “the disturbing condition under which the alleged accused children were brought to court projects the very justification for their participation in the protest in the first place.”
The court’s decision to grant bail to the 76 defendants, while a step in the right direction, has not alleviated concerns about the legal proceedings they will face. The trial date has been set for January 24, raising apprehension about the judicial process.
Despite the Child’s Rights Act prohibiting the trial of minors in regular courts, the underage defendants are expected to face charges upon being deemed medically fit. This has led to further questions about the legality of the charges and the overall treatment of these children within the justice system.
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive of the detained protesters, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their outrage and solidarity.
Hashtags such as #EndBadGovernance and #FreeTheMinors have trended, demonstrating a significant collective push against what many view as governmental overreach and a blatant disregard for human rights.
Many citizens have voiced their concern over the implications of detaining minors for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for future protests.
As the nation grapples with the implications of these events, the need for accountability and transparency in the treatment of detainees has never been more urgent.
Human rights organizations, political leaders, and concerned citizens continue to call for investigations into the treatment of these minors, emphasizing that the government must respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their age.
The outcry over the treatment of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly minors, underscores a broader discontent with the current administration and its handling of dissent.
As Nigeria navigates these turbulent times, the voices of the citizens demanding justice and accountability continue to resonate, reminding the government that the welfare and dignity of its people must remain a priority.
Overall, the situation surrounding the detained minors has highlighted significant issues within Nigeria’s legal and political framework. With the trial set to commence in January, the world will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these pressing concerns.
The treatment of vulnerable citizens, especially children, remains a crucial indicator of a nation’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles.
As public pressure mounts, there is hope that the government will heed the calls for justice and release all those unjustly detained, ensuring that the fundamental rights of all Nigerians are upheld.