Prominent Nigerian political figures, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Shehu Sani, have sharply criticized the Tinubu administration for the arraignment of minors in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
Images and reports of malnourished children fainting in court during the proceedings have ignited widespread outrage and fueled accusations of human rights violations. Kwankwaso and Sani, both vocal critics of the government, have joined a chorus of voices condemning the arrests and demanding the immediate release of the minors.
The controversy stems from nationwide protests that erupted between August 1 and 10, 2024, under the banner of #EndBadGovernance. These demonstrations, sparked by a surge in economic hardship and dissatisfaction with government policies, saw Nigerians take to the streets to demand a reduction in the cost of governance, the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, improved food security, and greater fiscal discipline.
While the protests were largely peaceful, some areas witnessed violence, looting, and vandalism. In response, security forces launched a crackdown, arresting dozens of protesters, including a significant number of minors. On Friday, November 1, 2024, 76 individuals, including 67 minors, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja to face charges of treason, intent to undermine Nigeria, and inciting mutiny for allegedly calling on the military to seize power.
The arraignment of these minors, some of whom appeared visibly malnourished and unwell, has sparked a wave of condemnation. Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, expressed his outrage, stating, “Face the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram rather than putting children behind bars.” His sentiment reflects the broader public anger at the government’s perceived prioritization of prosecuting children over addressing the root causes of the protests.
Shehu Sani, a former senator known for his human rights activism, also condemned the arrests, questioning the rationale behind detaining and charging minors for participating in protests. He, like many others, views the government’s actions as heavy-handed and indicative of a disregard for the rights of children.
Public outcry has been further amplified by videos circulating online showing some of the detained minors collapsing in court due to exhaustion and apparent malnourishment. These disturbing images have galvanized calls for the government to prioritize the welfare of these children and ensure their immediate release.
In an attempt to quell the mounting criticism, the Nigerian Police Force issued a statement defending its actions. The police maintain that they followed due process and acted with compassion throughout the arrests and legal proceedings. They claim that the minors’ fainting in court was a “deliberate script to draw negative reaction” and tarnish the police’s image.
However, legal counsel for the Federal Government, Rimazonte Ezekiel, has disputed the assertion that the individuals arraigned were minors. He claims that “most of them are married men, none of them is a minor.” This statement directly contradicts eyewitness accounts and video evidence, further deepening the controversy and raising questions about the credibility of the government’s narrative.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded the unconditional release of all detained protesters, particularly the minors. They argue that the protests were a legitimate expression of grievances against the government’s policies and that detaining minors for exercising their right to protest is a violation of their fundamental human rights.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, where some of the detained minors are believed to be from, has promised to take all necessary steps to bring them back home. This intervention reflects the growing pressure on the government to address the situation and take concrete action to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the police to hand over the case file of the protesters. This move suggests that a review of the charges and legal proceedings is underway, potentially paving the way for the release of the minors.
The arraignment of these minors has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about human rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the government in addressing public dissent in Nigeria. The controversy has exposed deep-seated concerns about the government’s handling of sensitive issues and its respect for the rights of vulnerable citizens.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing public pressure and address the widespread calls for the release of the detained minors. This case has the potential to set a precedent for how future protests are handled and could have significant implications for the relationship between the government and its citizens.
