#EndBadGovernance protest: Condemnation Trails as FG Arraigns Minors in Court
Zainab Tanimu
Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria
Reactions have continued to trail over federal government’s decision to arraign minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest in court.
Senator Shehu Sani former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial zone in the 8th Senate has condemned and described the arrest and treatment of minors who participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest as shameful and unhealthy for the country’s democracy.
The human rights activists via his X handle on Friday, has called on the federal government to withdraw the charges against them and return them to their states.
His words : “The arrangement of those minors for their participation in protest is most unfortunate and shameful for our country’s democracy. The FG should withdraw the charges against them and return them back to their states.”
Similarly, the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter has issued a pressing plea to the Nigerian judiciary to safeguard the rights of minors unjustly detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Time Express reports that,
“The organization, accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC, is alarmed by the distressing condition of malnourished children in court, many of whom may not meet the legal age threshold for formal arraignment.
“IHRC-RFT attributes the plight of these young detainees to a systemic failure that has left Nigeria’s children exposed to exploitation and abuse at home, in school, and in society.
“Rather than addressing the root causes, the government is punishing them for trying to survive in a challenging environment.
“The IHRC-RFT urges the judiciary to:Verify Ages of Detainees, Ensure no child below the legal age is subjected to undue criminalization.
“Protect Minors from Inhumane Treatment, Address severe physical and mental distress caused by prolonged detention and malnutrition and Reject Executive Overreach.
“The IHRC-RFT appeals to international and local human rights advocates to speak out against these injustices.
“The organization remains committed to protecting and defending the rights of all individuals, especially children.
Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter, emphasized the importance of collective action in upholding a vision of Nigeria that values justice, equity, and the rights of every child to a safe, dignified life.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,
Prince Lateef Fagbemi in a press statement dated, November 1, 2024, has assured to look into the matter.
Below is the press release:
