The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has sounded the alarm over the Nigerian government’s detention of minors who participated in peaceful protests against hunger, insecurity, and poor governance.
CISLAC urges President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Minister of Justice to order the immediate release of these young Nigerians.
Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC’s Executive Director, condemned these abuses, emphasizing that Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Some of these young Nigerians, as young as 15, have been held in custody since August, denied basic rights like food, medical care, and dignity. The tragic incident of minors collapsing from malnutrition in a Federal High Court in Abuja has shocked the nation, highlighting the government’s disregard for human rights and domestic laws.
“Their continued detention stains Nigeria’s democratic values and questions our commitment to human rights,” Rafsanjani stated. CISLAC’s petition calls on Nigerians and global citizens to stand together against this injustice, also seeking support from the Nigerian Bar Association, UNICEF, and international bodies to press Nigeria to uphold its commitments to justice and child protection.
By signing this petition, individuals can demand an end to these human rights abuses and fight for a future where every Nigerian’s rights and dignity are respected.
The detention of these minors is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s troubled human rights record, documented by organizations like Amnesty International and the U.S. Department of State. As the international community watches, Nigeria’s government must take immediate action to address these violations and ensure the safe release of the detained minors.
