The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ignited further controversy surrounding the #EndBadGovernance protests by dismissing the collapse of minors in court as a “deliberate script to draw negative reaction” and tarnish the police force’s image. This statement comes amidst widespread condemnation of the government’s decision to arraign 76 individuals, including 67 minors, for their alleged involvement in the protests which occurred between August 1st and 10th, 2024.
The protests, sparked by escalating economic hardships and growing dissatisfaction with government policies, witnessed Nigerians across the country taking to the streets to demand a range of changes, including a reduction in the cost of governance, the reintroduction of fuel subsidies, improvements to food security, and greater fiscal discipline. While the protests were largely peaceful, some instances of violence, looting, and vandalism were reported, prompting a crackdown by security forces.
This crackdown resulted in the arrest of numerous protesters, a significant number of whom were minors. On November 1st, 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. The charges stem from allegations that they called for the military to seize power.
Public outrage erupted as images and videos circulated online showing some of the detained minors, visibly malnourished and unwell, collapsing in court, apparently from exhaustion and lack of proper care. Prominent political figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Senator Shehu Sani, have joined a chorus of voices condemning the arrests and demanding the immediate release of the minors. Kwankwaso stated that the government should “face the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram rather than putting children behind bars,” while Sani questioned the rationale behind detaining and charging minors for their participation in the protests.
The IGP’s statement, however, attempts to deflect criticism away from the police force, suggesting that the minors’ collapse was a staged performance intended to manipulate public opinion. This claim has been met with further skepticism and anger, with many interpreting it as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation and evade accountability.
Adding to the confusion, the legal counsel for the Federal Government, Rimazonte Ezekiel, has challenged the widely reported claim that the individuals arraigned were indeed minors. He stated that “most of them are married men, none of them is a minor,” directly contradicting eyewitness accounts and video evidence. This conflicting narrative has only served to deepen the controversy and raise questions about the transparency and veracity of the government’s handling of the situation.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the unconditional release of all detained protesters, particularly the minors, asserting that the protests were a legitimate expression of grievances against government policies. They argue that detaining minors for exercising their right to protest is a violation of their fundamental human rights.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, from where several of the detained minors are believed to be from, has pledged to take all necessary measures to secure their return. This intervention highlights the mounting pressure on the government to address the situation effectively and prioritize the safety and well-being of the children involved.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has requested the police to hand over the case file of the protesters, indicating a possible review of the charges and legal proceedings. This development could potentially lead to the release of the minors and a reassessment of the government’s approach to handling the aftermath of the protests.
The arraignment of these minors, coupled with the IGP’s controversial statement, has become a focal point in a wider national debate about human rights, freedom of expression, and the government’s response to public dissent in Nigeria. The controversy has exposed deep-seated anxieties surrounding the government’s handling of delicate issues and its commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable citizens.
The situation remains fluid, with the government facing mounting pressure to address public concerns and ensure a just resolution to the case of the detained minors. The outcome of this case could establish a precedent for the management of future protests and significantly impact the relationship between the government and its citizens.
