The Nigerian government has temporarily suspended charges against five minors who fell unconscious in an Abuja courtroom during their trial linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests. These minors, detained for weeks, reportedly exhibited severe signs of malnutrition and ill health, leading to their collapse during proceedings and necessitating immediate medical attention.
Witnesses at the scene described it as distressing, with some lawyers rushing to aid the fainted youths after they were called to enter the dock. Following this incident, the prosecution sought a temporary withdrawal of the charges, which the court granted. The court announced that these charges would be revisited once the minors have regained their health.
BREAKING: Five Minors Linked to #EndBadGovernance Protest Collapse in Abuja Courtroom; Rushed to Hospital
Earlier today, SaharaReporters revealed that the Nigerian Police Force has held five minors, arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests, since August. The minors, brought from various detention cells including the Intelligence Response Team unit, fainted one after another in the courtroom. Sources allege that the minors had suffered mistreatment and had gone days without food, accusing the authorities of using starvation as a punitive tool against peaceful protest.
The #EndBadGovernance protests were a response to the escalating insecurity and widespread deprivation exacerbated by the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Courtroom Turmoil as Malnourished Minors Faint During Arraignment for #EndBadGovernance Protests
During the arraignment, one of the minors collapsed first, soon followed by four others, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom. Legal practitioners and court staff acted swiftly to revive the minors before transporting them to the hospital, temporarily halting court activities. The prosecution then moved to pause the charges against the minors on health grounds, following the stipulations of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, advocated that these minors be released to their families, given the state of their health.
In response, the Network of Abuja Left Groups called on Thursday for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, including 32 minors. The coalition condemned the prolonged detention of 76 protesters, criticizing President Tinubu’s administration for repressing citizens’ voices. The coalition also urged Nigerians to remain resilient amid the country’s rising cost of living, reiterating that the #EndBadGovernance protests represent a peaceful collective stand against economic hardship and institutional failure impacting millions daily.
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