Amnesty International, a prominent global human rights organization, has issued a strong condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration following the ongoing detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests that began in August. The organization expressed alarm over reports that some of these children have become severely malnourished and even collapsed during their court appearances in Abuja.
In a statement shared on X, Amnesty International highlighted its concern over the treatment of the detained minors, who were arraigned in a Federal High Court on Friday for allegedly participating in the protests against widespread hunger and poor governance. The organization emphasized that the continued detention of these young individuals is unacceptable.
According to earlier reports by SaharaReporters, several underage protesters lost consciousness inside the courtroom as they were brought from various police detention facilities, including those operated by the Intelligence Response Team. Eyewitness accounts revealed that at least a few minors fainted due to maltreatment, reportedly having gone days without proper meals. A source close to the situation accused the authorities of using hunger as a method of punishment for exercising their constitutional rights.
The protests stemmed from increasing insecurity and deprivation linked to President Tinubu’s policies, prompting widespread public outcry. Visual evidence from the courtroom showed several of the teenagers, who have been in detention since August, lying on the ground, with one lawyer attempting to assist a fainted minor.
The court hearing was marked by the decision of Justice Emeka Nwite, who had previously authorized the police to keep the minors in custody for a 60-day period while they concluded their investigations. The charges against the protesters included allegations of attempting to undermine President Tinubu’s government.
SaharaReporters also reported that 13 of the minors were transported to the court from IRT facilities, while others were brought in from various police stations across Abuja. Amnesty International condemned the government’s move to subject these minors to what it described as a sham trial on charges of treason, stating that it reflects a blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law.
The organization called for their immediate and unconditional release, asserting that the treatment of these minors is a stark violation of their rights and an example of the government’s alarming stance on civil liberties.
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