By Smart Emmanuel
Nigerian leadership is facing a storm of public indignation following the arraignment of 76 citizens, including 32 minors, for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August.
Civil society organizations and human rights activists have vehemently criticized the police and government’s actions, highlighting concerns over the treatment of minors in the judicial process.
The protests, which spanned from August 1 to 10, were driven by widespread dissatisfaction with economic policies and governance.
Demonstrators called for reduced government spending, the reinstatement of petrol subsidies, food security, and stricter fiscal discipline.
However, the peaceful protests took a violent turn in several states, leading to incidents of looting and vandalism.
Arrested across various locations, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, the 76 defendants have been detained for three months.
On Friday, they were brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.
The Inspector General of Police charged them with ten counts, including treason, intent to destabilize the country, and inciting mutiny by urging the military to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The sight of 32 minors among the defendants has drawn particular ire. The children, aged 14 to 17, appeared in court visibly malnourished and unkempt.
Viral video clips showed the minors scrambling for water and biscuits at the court premises, highlighting their dire condition.
During the court proceedings, four of the children collapsed, prompting an abrupt suspension of the session as they were carried out by lawyers and prison officials.
The incident has raised urgent questions about the ethical and humanitarian dimensions of prosecuting minors in such a manner. Activists argue that the government’s approach underscores a broader issue of systemic neglect and abuse of youth rights.
The minors’ detention and treatment have become a focal point for calls to overhaul the justice system.
