The Nigerian government is facing pressure to drop charges against dozens of minors who were arrested for participating in protests against the high cost of living. Scenes of young Nigerians fainting in court in Abuja sparked outrage from politicians and civil society, as the minors have been in detention for three months. They were charged with various felony counts including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny. The age range of the minors was from 14 to 17 years old, and there are concerns about their health and well-being.
Politician Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election, described the footage of the minors in court as revealing their weak state, some barely able to stand, and others fainting from exhaustion and lack of nourishment. Amnesty International also condemned the detentions as horrifying, stating that they were for participating in protests against hunger and corruption. The Inspector General of Police in Nigeria denied allegations of ill-treatment, stating that medical aid was provided to the defendants. The office also mentioned that age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences, indicating that the minors will still have to go through the legal process.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a Nigerian human rights group, called on President Bola Tinubu to use his leadership position to release the minors within the next 48 hours. SERAP stated that the children and other protesters were detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights. They also urged President Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the human rights violations of the children and other protesters. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General reportedly began moves to drop the charges against the minors, as frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to various protests in the country in recent months.
Protests in Nigeria have escalated due to the cost-of-living crisis, and in August, at least 20 people were shot dead with hundreds more arrested during a protest for better opportunities and jobs for young people. The situation has drawn international attention as politicians, civil society, and human rights organizations push for the release of the minors and an investigation into the human rights violations. The footage of the minors fainting in court has sparked outrage and intensified calls for justice and accountability in Nigeria. The upcoming trial in January will be crucial in determining the fate of the minors and addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
