Irked by the arraignment of 29 minors in Abuja accused by the Nigeria Police of treason over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest, Nigerians at home and abroad have slammed President Bola Tinubu, saying his grand plan is to execute the children.
Their prosecution has also turned global attention on President Tinubu’s next action as the fate of the malnourished minors hangs in the balance.
Four of the accused minors standing trial collapsed in the court premises triggering public anger on Friday.
Expressing angst at the sight of the accused persons scores of individuals and groups took to social media stating their frustration, calling for the immediate release of the detained minors and demanding greater accountability from the government.
Meanwhile, Section 37, sub section 1 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code clearly states that the punishment for treason is death.
Some lawyers in Lagos who spoke to our correspondent strongly condemned the illegal detention of minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
The lawyers who spoke in an interview with AHR, expressed outrage over the arraignment of the minors alongside adults for alleged treason, citing the harsh conditions and maltreatment they faced in detention.
“It’s unconscionable that minors are being detained and tried for exercising their constitutional rights,” said Olawale Abdullah, a legal practitioner.
He added, “The government’s actions are a clear violation of human rights and the rule of law.”
Another lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “The conditions in which these minors are being held are deplorable. They’re being denied access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care.”
Lawyers and human rights advocates are concerned that the detention and trial of minors may be a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
“This is a clear case of government overreach and abuse of power,” said Deji Adeyanju, one of the lawyers to the detained protesters. “We will continue to fight for the rights of these minors and ensure that justice is served.”, he intoned.
Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International has weighed in, calling for the charges against the protesters to be dropped.
Africa Health Report (AHR) had earlier reported that Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, (CISLAC), vehemently denounced the detention and reported mistreatment of innocent minors who dared to join the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.
The organization’s outcry followed the alarming collapse of several detained children, some barely 15, due to starvation within the hallowed halls of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
These minors have languished in police custody since August, their only crime being a cry for change in a society ravaged by insecurity and deprivation.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, implored First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene, entreating her to see these youthful detainees as her own flesh and blood.
The organization also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wield his executive power, halting the egregious actions of government officials and securing the immediate release of the minors.
Rafsanjani emphasized that confining children under such deplorable conditions is an affront to humanity, flouting both national and international human rights standards.
CISLAC urged the Nigerian Bar Association to take immediate action and advocate for the minors’ rights.
The organization also called on international bodies like UNICEF and Save the Children Foundation to condemn the incident and pressure the Nigerian government for unconditional release.
Also in Kano, our Correspondent gathered that residents are peeved, making passionate appeal to President Tinubu to urgently act to save the minors from further torture. Said a resident, Fatima Abubakar, “The silence of our elders is deafening. They have turned a blind eye to the suffering of our children and the corruption that plagues our region. We demand accountability!”
Dan Iyaj, known as Prince and a former supporter of Senator Barau I Jibrin, expressed his disillusionment with the political leadership. “Today, I announce my resignation from supporting Tinubu’s campaign,” he declared. “From this day forward, I will have nothing to do with Tinubu. I won’t forgive him forever, and insha Allah, in 2027, we will show him the true consequence of his actions.”
Another resident, Mohammed Usman, joined the chorus of condemnation, asserting, “The neglect by our leaders is unacceptable. We will not remain silent while our future is stolen. It is time for us to rise and demand justice for our children!”
Finally, community activist Aisha Bello urged collective action, saying, “We must unite against this injustice. Our children deserve better than what they have been given. We will continue to fight until they are released, and our voices are heard!”
As the case continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, with many calling for the Nigerian government to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
In face saving moves the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stepped in to salvage the situation surrounding the #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Fagbemi on Friday ordered the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office, paving the way for a thorough review by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) today, November 2, 2024.
AHR authoritatively learnt on Saturday that the federal government is making moves to cleans it image over the embarrassment the development had already caused it, as some of the government owned media platforms have pulled down all information relating to the issue.
Fagbemi’s intervention may offers a glimmer of hope for the accused and their families.
The decision to transfer the case file to his office signals image laundering strategy for the government, may however turn out to ensure that justice is served, and that the rights of all individuals involved are protected. Additionally reported by Gom Mirian in Abuja and Hussaini Kafi in Kano.
