The mistreatment of minors brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja has drawn intense condemnation from the public, particularly concerning how the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has handled these young detainees in relation to the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Among the voices criticizing this treatment is the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL). The organization expressed its dismay over the situation, condemning the harsh detention and arraignment of minors who were arrested during the protests.
In a statement released by Tola Oresanwo, CACOL’s Director of Administration and Programmes, on behalf of Chairman Debo Adeniran, the organization remarked, “CACOL strongly condemns the detention, arraignment, and inhumane treatment of minors arrested during the recent End Bad Governance protests.”
CACOL’s statement highlighted a troubling social media video showing minors in a visibly weakened state, thin and distressed after nearly three months in detention. During one court appearance, a minor even collapsed, while others wept openly, leading onlookers to question the justice in such proceedings.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, CACOL noted, have been crucial in spotlighting the deep-seated inequalities present in Nigerian society. “These protests have become a powerful call for change, revealing the pervasive issues of corruption, inequality, and systemic neglect,” the organization stated.
CACOL emphasized that the welfare of detained minors during these protests has become a disturbing matter, pointing to severe malnutrition and neglect. “This unfortunate situation highlights a failure of governance that leaves vulnerable children as casualties of political dysfunction,” the statement read, urging that the government acknowledge and address the gravity of the situation.
The organization lamented that, despite the protests, the government has yet to address the root issues, leaving Nigerians struggling with exorbitant fuel prices, food costs, and other basic necessities.
In its statement, CACOL called for the immediate, unconditional release of the detained minors and the withdrawal of charges against them. “We urge the President to release these children unconditionally, withdrawing all charges to prevent them from facing further harm. Detaining them in adult facilities could expose them to negative influences,” the organization asserted.
CACOL also pointed out that juvenile suspects should be held in remand homes with appropriate conditions, and officials who kept these minors in adult detention should face investigation and punishment.
Moreover, the statement stressed that upon their release, these minors should undergo psychological support to help them recover from the trauma of detention. “Procedures should be in place to help these children regain stability and prevent lasting psychological harm. They must also receive compensation for the mistreatment they suffered,” CACOL added.
Finally, CACOL underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s justice system, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the health and welfare of all citizens.
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