By Kingston Magare
Some of the teenagers among the 75 #EndBadGovernace protesters arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja fainted out of exhaustion and hunger Friday.
The teenage protesters ranging from 12-15 are facing charges of terrorism, attempt to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny over their participation in the nationwide protest.
They have been under detention since August 3, 2024, when they were arrested by the Nigerian police.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu the presiding judge brought the session to an abrupt end when the kids collapsed while their plea was being taken.
Commenting on the development former Vice President Atiku Abubakar knocked President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Police for the arrest and treatment of the minors.
A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has come to my attention,” Atiku posted on X.
“The horrible scene, reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp, once again reflects the low value this government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.
“Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be subjected to physical, mental, or emotional injury, abuse, neglect, or maltreatment, including sexual abuse; nor shall any child be subjected to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
“The children are being prosecuted for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests that occurred between August 1 and August 10, 2024. If they are just being arraigned three months later, one can only imagine the dehumanizing conditions they have endured during their detention.
“The disturbing conditions under which the accused children were brought to court only reinforce the justification for their participation in the protests in the first place.”
Also, a human rights group Enough is Enough, called the situation “institutional child abuse”.
“These teenagers have been remanded in prison for saying they were hungry. Their place is in school, not prison. Release them now,” the organisation demanded.
