Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Several civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria and Yiaga Africa, have urged the immediate release of minors detained after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The call came as these minors and other detainees appeared in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The detention of these young individuals has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who have taken to social media to voice their concerns.
Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, condemned the federal government for bringing “underage kids” to trial on treason charges.
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, also expressed his concern, appealing to the Minister of Justice, the police, the DSS, and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the treatment of these detained minors and ensure due process.
In response to the public outcry, the Ministry of Youth Development, led by Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced that it is working with the Ministry of Interior to verify the facts and address the welfare of the young detainees, as well as others in custody nationwide.
Olawande assured Nigerians that the ministry is committed to protecting the interests of the youth.
As the legal proceedings continue, the fate of these detained minors remains uncertain.
Civil society groups and concerned citizens are closely monitoring the situation and demanding justice for the young protesters.
