Rights group calls for release of minors charged over Nigeria protests

The Nigerian government is under mounting pressure to dismiss charges against numerous minors amid growing concerns over the conditions of their detention. These minors were arrested due to their alleged involvement in protests against the rising cost of living.

On Friday, a total of 76 individuals, including 30 minors aged between 14 and 17, were arraigned on multiple felony charges, such as treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny, according to the Associated Press.

The sight of these young individuals fainting in court in Abuja has sparked significant outrage among politicians and civil society. Many of them have been held in detention for three months since their arrests in August.

Footage from the court showed minors so weakened that they struggled to remain standing, with some collapsing from exhaustion and malnutrition. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi commented on the situation, highlighting the alarming conditions the minors are facing.

Amnesty International condemned the detainment of these minors, describing it as “horrifying” and an aggressive attempt to stifle freedom of assembly in response to protests against hunger and corruption.

In contrast, the Nigerian Inspector General of Police’s office denied any mistreatment of the detainees, asserting that medical assistance was provided. They emphasized that being underage does not exempt individuals from legal accountability, with police spokesperson Muyiwa Ogunjobi stating that anyone over the age of seven could face charges.

The minors have been granted bail, and their attorneys indicated that the case is set to go to trial in January.

On Sunday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a human rights organization in Nigeria, urged President Bola Tinubu to take action and release the minors within 48 hours. They argued that these children, along with other protesters, are being held solely for exercising their rights peacefully.

SERAP also called for an investigation into the severe human rights violations affecting the minors and other protesters.

Reports from Nigeria’s Punch news website indicated that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, has initiated steps to withdraw the charges against the minors.

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Frustration over the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has triggered widespread protests in Nigeria in recent months. In August, at least 20 individuals were killed, and hundreds were arrested during a demonstration advocating for better job opportunities and living conditions for young people.

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