Omoyele Sowore, the leader of the #RevolutionNow movement, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prosecuting minors allegedly involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August. His condemnation follows reports that some of these minors, visibly malnourished, fainted in court during a recent hearing. Sowore argues that these children, rather than facing charges, should receive free education and healthcare.
The former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress described the government’s treatment of the minors as “shameless.” He voiced that, instead of trying these young protesters for treason, the government should focus on addressing their welfare and future. Sowore’s criticism aligns with the broader concerns about the administration’s crackdown on protests and dissident voices.
For years, #RevolutionNow has been calling for accountability and transparency in governance. In response to recent events, Sowore has put forth a list of demands, urging President Tinubu’s administration to release all detained protesters and political prisoners, implement a living wage for Nigerian workers, and take immediate action against security issues, including banditry and terrorism.
It has now been 89 days since #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 32 minors, were detained during nationwide demonstrations against food insecurity and poor governance. Many of these children have remained in custody since August, with the recent hearing highlighting their deteriorating health conditions.
Commenting on their plight, Sowore stated, “These are underage children brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja today to be tried for treason. These children, who should be receiving free education and healthcare, have been held by the police for over 89 days and are now facing treason charges before Justice Egwuatu.”
Sowore continued, “These same politicians prosecuting these kids are those who have misappropriated the funds intended to secure the future of Nigerian youth. NIGERIA is long overdue for a #RevolutionNow.”
SaharaReporters previously reported on the commotion at the Federal High Court on Friday when five minors collapsed in the courtroom while standing trial for treason and an alleged attempt to overthrow Tinubu’s administration. One of the malnourished teens fainted, quickly followed by four others, which led to a temporary halt in proceedings as court officials and lawyers rushed to assist them.
Images and videos obtained by SaharaReporters show the teenagers, some lying on the courtroom floor, with other detainees attempting to help revive them. In one image, a lawyer is seen trying to resuscitate one of the protesters.
The teenagers’ continued detention was ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite, following an ex-parte request by the police for a 60-day hold to conclude their investigation into the protests. SaharaReporters also learned that some of the minors were brought to court from different police detention centers across Abuja.
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